Health advocate Mr. Lorenz Mba has called for a nationwide shift from reactive to preventive healthcare through simple lifestyle changes and early screening to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
He made the call in an interview with reporters on Wednesday in Lagos during a road walk to mark the sixth edition of “Let’s Waka with Q-Life and HEI.”
The walk, organized by Waka Community International Foundation in collaboration with Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), honored Dr. Ade Alakija, a renowned medical expert.
Mba noted that many life-threatening conditions, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and glaucoma, often show no early symptoms, making regular medical checks critical. Late detection increases mortality rates and treatment costs, often pushing families into financial hardship.
“Preventive health practices—including daily walking, proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep—remain the most cost-effective way to stay healthy,” he said.
Highlighting gaps in men’s health awareness, Mba said stigma and lack of information lead many men to ignore early warning signs. “Men’s health issues are not receiving the attention they deserve, yet they have wider implications for families and society. Health challenges affecting reproductive organs often cause psychological and emotional strain,” he added.
He also emphasized that unhealthy lifestyles, physical inactivity, and excess weight contribute significantly to chronic diseases. Walking, he explained, is one of the safest, most accessible exercises, particularly for people with limited mobility or underlying conditions. “It helps manage weight and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes,” he said.
Mba cautioned that high-impact exercises like running may not be suitable for overweight individuals or those with a family history of arthritis due to stress on the knees.
The event included free health screenings to encourage early diagnosis and promote regular medical check-ups. With over 58,000 members across 48 countries, the initiative continues to advance community-based health interventions aimed at improving public health outcomes.
“Wakathon 2026 reflects a growing movement to reposition health as a personal and collective responsibility. A healthy population is essential for national productivity and economic growth. Nigerians must prioritize their health before illness forces them to,” he concluded.
