The Anambra State Ministry of Health has called for increased health education to discourage residents from relying solely on prayers and prayer houses when urgent medical treatment is required.
The Director of Public Health, Dr Anaeme Cyril, made the call during a health promotion workshop in Awka organised by the state Ministry of Health with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation.
Anaeme said delayed medical intervention could result in preventable deaths.
He cited the case of an accident victim who was taken to a prayer house instead of a hospital despite being unresponsive.
He also warned pregnant women against ignoring professional medical advice, noting that such decisions could lead to serious complications or death.
According to him, stronger health education and effective communication are needed to help residents make informed health decisions and seek appropriate medical care when necessary.
The four-day workshop is expected to produce a five-year health promotion framework aimed at improving health communication and reducing preventable deaths across Anambra State.
