The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) has organized awareness campaign against monkey pox and other related diseases in Cross River state.
The campaign which focuses on creating awareness and keeping rural settlers abreast of disease was flagged off at Ikot Ekpo, a community in the outskirt of Calabar.
Speaking at the occasion, Coordinator of the program, Mrs (Lady) Eniola Ambekeme said that the Scheme was poised to contribute its own quota through the programme by enlightening people and keeping them abreast of new disease and how to manage them effectively.
“Following the threat we face every day, people in many rural settlements might not even be aware of such development, so as part of our contribution, we need to educate them”.
Also speaking, Mrs Elizabeth Ochichi, Calabar Municipal Primary Healthcare Coordinator said that inhabitants need to ‘shine their eyes’ especially now that new diseases are springing up.
“We know the health problems we are facing, especially now that people come in and out and now that we have monkey pox in the country. A lot of people are apprehensive of taking drugs or vaccine from government because there are notions that they are testing the drugs on them.
“Three days ago, we had a suspected case of monkey pox and blood samples have been taken but we need to assure the people that the drugs are safe and has nothing to do with the disease.
“I came here to inspect the drugs with a view of assuring the people in the area that it is safe for consumption and I have certified that the drugs are okay for use” she stated.
On his part, Traditional Ruler of Ikot Ekpo, Etinyin Bassey Obo lauded the NYSC for its benevolence and bringing to health outreach to the community.
“There are a lot of people who are not aware of some ailment in their body, like diabetes, malaria, typhoid fever.
“Some don’t even know about the monkey pox, but today we have been enlightened and we also know that it is safe to take the drugs they brought to us which is completely free”, he submitted.
Commentaires