In Abuja, at a sensitization session for health journalists on the dangers of bleaching creams as well as its regulatory measures in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) encouraged the media to support the fight against the body bleaching plague by educating Nigerians with the appropriate knowledge to make an effective decision for the protection of their wellbeing. Monica Eimunjeze, the acting director general of NAFDAC, shows her concern against a significant rise in the use of skin bleaching creams and other products in Nigeria.
She pointed out that the majority of bleaching creams on the market are not authorized by the agency and may therefore be dangerous to the body. When using a product containing chemicals, it may have several effects on the body or trigger a skin reaction that spreads to other organs. She added that although several of these bleaching creams have also been through the regulatory procedure on the list of licensed products that are included in the record of the agency.
Some diseases can be attributed to toxic chemicals in the body.
When toxic chemicals build up in the body, there are many effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure. Therefore she urges people to be aware of these effects and try to change their behaviour. Although everyone has the right to their own opinions, one should always make decisions that will help them rather than harm them. According to Eimunjeze, several creams are manufactured, and many people are unaware of the formulation expertise used to create them, affirming that many of those creams are dangerous to the body.
Therefore, she assured that this would not continue, stating that NAFDAC has a thorough understanding of the composition of all products subject to its supervision. Nigerians should exercise caution around creams that have made it onto the market without the agency’s knowledge or approval. There are risks associated with using creams that haven’t been approved by the agency, so now we’re working with journalists who advocate health to spread the information about the potential harms of using unapproved products.
A study is needed to know why people bleach despite its disadvantages.
Regarding people’s choice of skin bleaching, Eimunjeze stated that it was important for people, especially social scientists, to study and investigate why men sometimes go for white or fair women. She further stated that this idea mostly goes along with how people view themselves in an effort to increase their receptivity or social acceptance. She explained that the assessment was essential for individuals sitting in the stands to have a new perspective on life.
She revealed that the bleaching issue was not something exclusive to Nigeria alone, but rather that it was a global issue that required to be addressed. She was completely against the concept of bleaching and said that there are creams which are authorized and developed with specific colors in mind and that using these creams is a much more acceptable alternative to bleaching one’s body. While organic products have a reputation for being healthy, the DG warned that this is only sometimes the case if they are subject to strict supervision.
The media should take responsibility for educating the people – Jimoh.
Abubakar Jimoh, Director of Public Affairs, expressed joy in the federal government’s concern about the damage done by bleaching creams, which prompted the national media sensitization campaign as well as regulatory measures. Jimoh used the occasion to call on the media, seeing as how they are the ideal platform and chain drive for proof information to disseminate the effort to the public, to take the initiative in this quest to help get rid of the country of the bleaching plague that is sweeping over Nigeria.
Related Link
NAFDAC: Website
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