The Programme Coordinator of the Redeemer’s Aides Initiative for People and Community (RAPAC), Pastor Gbenga Odutolu has decried the act of self-medication, emphasizing that it is tantamount to drug abuse that can have dire consequences. He stresses the importance of seeking professional medical advice and following proper treatment protocols rather than relying on personal, unsupervised medication.
RAPAC is a benevolence arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) created to bring hope to vulnerable people affected by negative social circumstances including HIV and AIDS through innovative Health, Education, and empowerment programmes that are sustainable and replicable.
In a recent conversation with The BeautifulDay Testimonial, Pastor Odutolu, issued a stark warning against self-medication, particularly in the case of malaria, underscoring the critical importance of conducting laboratory tests to accurately diagnose the disease.
Odutolu reinforced the value of seeking professional medical advice and effective treatment for malaria, rather than risking the dangers associated with self-medication.
In his words: “Self-medication is wrong, it is more like drug abuse because drugs are Prescribed based on weight, and based on the underlying medical conditions like for an ulcer patient there are some drugs they should and shouldn’t take. It is important to see a doctor so they can assess you before prescribing drugs. It’s essential to take medications based on your weight to prevent underuse or overuse of drugs.”
Highlighting the danger of self-medication in the context of malaria, Odutolu said conducting a laboratory test to confirm the presence of malaria and determine its severity, which could range from mild (plus 1) to moderate (plus 2) to severe (plus 3) is very crucial. By doing so, he said, individuals can receive targeted and effective treatment.
He said, “It is important to do tests for clarification. It is called presentation. The lab test will determine whether it is a plus 1, or plus 3 malaria.”
Sharing his understanding on the health of children, the coordinator underscored the vulnerability of their immune systems, noting that malaria can be particularly dangerous for young patients. In order to prevent serious complications, he advised parents to seek routine medical check-ups for their children every three months, ensuring that any signs of malaria are detected and treated early. By taking these proactive measures, parents can help build their children’s immunity, providing them with the best chance for a healthy and happy future.
Odutolu cautioned adults who usually ignore the initial symptoms of malaria, believing that their condition is not serious. Emphasizing that the delay in seeking early treatment can be dangerous, as the infection can slowly grow severe, and possibly become a life-threatening cerebral malaria.
Turning to the unique health concerns of pregnant women, he stated that the serious risks that untreated malaria poses to both mother and child, if left unchecked, include; anemia, premature labor, stillbirth, or even the loss of the unborn child. He urged pregnant women to prioritize their health and wellbeing by seeking prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment for any suspected case of malaria.
Meanwhile, Odutolu identified several factors that can contribute to the spread of malaria to include stagnant water, uncleared vegetation, and the absence of insecticide-treated bed nets. He advised individuals living in mosquito-prone environments to take proactive measures, such as regularly taking antimalarial medication and maintaining a clean and mosquito-free environment.
According to the programme coordinator, “if you live in an area where you are surrounded by bushes, you have mosquito bites from time to time. It is expected you make use of anti-malaria drugs every three months, clear your gutters and practice proper hygiene.”
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