By JKNewsMedia
GROWING AWARENESS of Elu-Ulee, also known as Buruli ulcer, and the importance of early medical intervention has emerged from the second Awba-Ofemili community health campaign, with stakeholders commending the Awba-Ofemili Development Union Health Committee for sustaining the initiative.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the campaign, held at the Civic Centre, Awba-Ofemili, was organised under the theme, “Beyond Elu-Ulee (Buruli Ulcer): Building a Healthier Awba-Ofemili.” It followed the maiden Elu-Ulee Awareness Campaign organised by the committee in 2025.
The Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul Anglican Church, Awba-Ofemili, Ven. Rev. Sam Asaa, commended the committee, led by Ogbuefi (Sir) Chinenyeze Remmy Nweke, for continuing the awareness drive.
Asaa said his interactions with residents during counselling showed that discussions about Elu-Ulee had reduced considerably, which he described as evidence that the awareness campaign was gaining momentum.
“It is obvious that the awareness is gaining momentum. From the interactions I have had with members of the community during counselling, the subject of Elu-Ulee has reduced. We pray that by next year, we shall be talking about the eradication of Elu-Ulee in Awba-Ofemili,” he said.
The President General of ADU, Hon. Chukwunedu Fidelis Mebene, also praised the Health Committee and urged residents to prioritise early detection and proper medical assessment.
Mebene cautioned against attributing unexplained sores or health conditions to enemies or supernatural causes, stressing the need to seek professional medical attention for accurate diagnosis.
“Not every sore is an affliction by an enemy. Early detection will help us to know exactly what the problem or ailment is,” he said.
Mr. Odo Peculiar, representative of the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross, highlighted the importance of basic First Aid knowledge, particularly in responding to injuries and emergencies before professional medical help is available.
He said simple First Aid interventions, when properly administered, could help address emergencies and prevent complications. Peculiar commended the ADU Health Committee and called on other towns and communities in Anambra State to promote health awareness and basic life-saving skills.
“Simple First Aid can go a long way towards getting a solution,” he said.
The campaign also featured a practical First Aid demonstration conducted by the Nigerian Red Cross and led by Elijah Onyinyechukwu. Participants were shown basic techniques for responding to common injuries and emergencies.
Furthermore, the demonstration followed a First Aid training session conducted the previous week by the Nigerian Red Cross in collaboration with the ADU Health Committee for 60 participants at Community Secondary School, Awba-Ofemili comprising 50 students and 10 teachers.
Also, the training focused on basic First Aid administration and the proper use of First Aid boxes, strengthening the committee’s school health and community preparedness efforts.
Nurse Onyinye Ezeaku, Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer & Leprosy Supervisor for Awka North, commended the committee for maintaining the campaign after the success of the 2025 edition.
She said the 2026 programme expanded the conversation beyond Buruli ulcer to include preventive healthcare, early detection and healthy living.
Ezeaku encouraged residents to use the health services available during the programme, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
“We commend the ADU Health Committee for its consistency. The 2025 campaign was a huge success, and the 2026 edition has added another layer to the awareness,” she said.
She also urged residents to monitor their health regularly and maintain healthy living practices, including adequate water intake.
The Head of the Primary Health Centre, Awba-Ofemili, Mrs Justina Ofuonu, urged indigenes and residents to make the facility their first point of contact for health concerns.
Ofuonu said the PHC was equipped to provide initial medical attention and treatment, while making referrals where necessary. She added that many medications available through the facility are provided free of charge.
“We enjoin our indigenes to maximise the Primary Health Centre in the town as first responders to save more lives. Most medications are free of charge, and we are ready to ensure that treatment is offered and, where vital, referrals are made,” she said.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the 2026 campaign featured community health education, Elu-Ulee awareness, preventive healthcare education, early detection, basic health screening, First Aid activities, health counselling and referral, as well as engagement with healthcare professionals and community stakeholders.
A press release signed by Chinenyeze Remmy Nweke, Chair of the Awba Ofemili Health Committee, said the programme reinforced the committee’s broader objective of moving “Beyond Elu-Ulee” towards sustained community health education and preventive healthcare.
The committee later appreciated the Nigerian Red Cross, Primary Health Centre Awba-Ofemili, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, health professionals, religious and community leaders, volunteers, development partners and other supporters for their contributions.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the campaign and strengthening partnerships aimed at improving health education, early detection, access to primary healthcare and appropriate referral services in Awba-Ofemili.
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