INTRODUCTION
The Anchors for Public Health and Nutrition Initiative (APHNI) is committed to promoting health and improving the well-being of communities through health education and awareness campaigns. As part of this commitment, APHNI organized a health sensitization program on ulcer prevention and management and deworming awareness at Kofar Kaura Primary Health Care Centre, Katsina State, on Friday, 31st July 2026. The program was designed to address common misconceptions about ulcers and intestinal worm infections while educating community members on preventive measures, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of seeking prompt medical care. Through interactive discussions and health education sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their health. The program involved 83 patients and was facilitated by 11 volunteers from APHNI.
OBJECTIVES
1. Educate community members on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of ulcers
2. Raise awareness about the importance of regular deworming for children and adults
3. Promote healthy eating habits and good personal hygiene to prevent illness
4. Encourage participants to seek professional medical care rather than self-medicate
5. Correct common misconceptions about ulcers and deworming
6. Strengthen community awareness of preventive healthcare practices through health education provided by APHNI volunteers
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
• Registration of participants, followed by opening remarks and an introduction to the purpose of the program
• Health education session on ulcer prevention and management, covering causes, symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options
• Health education session on deworming and the importance of seeking prompt medical care
• Education on proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, consuming safe food and water, and maintaining a clean environment
• Interactive question-and-answer session with facilitators
• Distribution of ulcer and deworming medications to eligible participants by qualified healthcare personnel, accompanied by counselling on proper use
• Closing remarks and appreciation to participants
KEY MESSAGES DELIVERED
1. Ulcers can be prevented and effectively managed through early diagnosis, proper treatment, healthy eating habits, and avoiding self-medication
2. Participants should seek medical care at a health facility whenever they experience persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, or vomiting
3. Regular deworming is essential for maintaining good health and should be done as recommended by healthcare professionals
4. Good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap, proper sanitation, and drinking safe, clean water, helps prevent worm infections
5. Proper washing and cooking of food before consumption reduces the risk of intestinal worm infections
6. Medications should only be taken as prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals, and the full dosage should be completed as directed
7. Participants were encouraged to share the health information received with their families and other members of the community
PARTICIPATION AND OBSERVATIONS
The sensitization program recorded active participation from community members at Kofar Kaura Primary Health Care Centre. Participants listened attentively to the health talks, engaged in discussions, and asked relevant questions regarding ulcer prevention, treatment, and the importance of regular deworming. The interactive nature of the session enhanced participants’ understanding of the topics discussed. Many participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained and showed willingness to adopt the recommended healthy practices. The distribution of ulcer and deworming medications was well received, and beneficiaries were counselled on the correct use of the drugs.
OUTCOMES
1. Increased awareness among participants about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of ulcers
2. Improved understanding of the importance of regular deworming and proper hygiene in preventing intestinal worm infections
3. Participants demonstrated better knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices, including proper nutrition, personal hygiene, and the need to seek timely medical care
4. Eligible participants received ulcer and deworming medications, along with guidance on their proper use
5. Community members were encouraged to share the health information with their families and neighbors
6. The program strengthened community engagement in preventive healthcare and promoted positive health-seeking behaviors
CONCLUSION
The sensitization program on ulcer prevention and deworming, organized by Anchors for Public Health and Nutrition Initiative (APHNI) at Kofar Kaura Primary Health Care Centre, Katsina State, was successfully conducted on Friday, 31st July 2026. The program reached 83 patients, providing them with valuable health education and the distribution of ulcer and deworming medications. Despite a few operational challenges, the program achieved its objectives by increasing health awareness, promoting positive health-seeking behavior, and encouraging preventive healthcare practices within the community.