Enugu Warns Against Junk Food, Self-Medication Amid Rise in Kidney Disease
Korede Abdullah 
Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu
ENUGU, Nigeria – The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has warned residents against unhealthy diets, obesity and indiscriminate drug use, describing them as major risk factors for kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
Speaking during an interview on The Conversation programme on 100.3 Udoka FM, Ugwu said the apparent rise in kidney-related illnesses was largely due to improved health awareness, increased testing and earlier diagnosis of previously undetected cases.
The commissioner urged residents, particularly those aged 40 years and above, to monitor their calorie intake, maintain healthy body weight and engage in regular physical activity.
He advised against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, salty foods, processed meals and oily diets, encouraging residents to embrace healthier locally prepared foods, including the traditional Nsukka delicacy, Ayaraaya Oka.
Ugwu also cautioned young people against excessive reliance on noodles, junk food and other ultra-processed meals, noting that nutritious local foods remain affordable and healthier alternatives.
The commissioner identified prolonged use of painkillers and self-medication as major contributors to kidney damage.
He urged residents to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and use drugs strictly as prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals.
On herbal medicines, Ugwu said they should not be regarded as substitutes for scientifically tested pharmaceutical products.
He explained that orthodox medicines undergo rigorous research, clinical trials and dosage evaluations, whereas many herbal preparations lack sufficient scientific evidence regarding safety, dosage and effectiveness.
The commissioner advised residents to verify medicines using NAFDAC authentication codes and seek professional medical advice before taking medications.
Ugwu reaffirmed Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to improving access to affordable healthcare across the state.
According to him, the administration is constructing ultramodern Type-2 hospitals across Enugu’s 260 political wards while investing heavily in ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park Lane Hospital and SUMAS Teaching Hospital.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius