The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has started a 3-month free medical outreach for flood victims, in Anambra State.
Dr.Obianuju Okoye, State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Ministry of Health,who disclosed this to journalists in Onitsha, Anambra State recently, said no fewer than 5,000 persons were being targeted from the outreach.
She said a total of 560 healthcare workers, have been trained on modified life saving skills,for the exercise which would be carried out in ten Local Government Areas, LGAs, affected by the flood.
Mrs Okoye listed the LGAs as,Anambra East and West, Onitsha North and South, Awka North, Anyamelum, Idemili North, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo and Ihiala.
She stated that the project was fully sponsored by UNICEF after the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo,visited Internally Displaced camps in company of Health Commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike.
According to Okoye, “we have 21 health facilities we’re using as hub from where we distribute to various wards where the flood impact was much.
“The 560 health workers include the first 110 two days residentials and 45 workers in each LGA made up of reproductive health supervisors, social mobilization and logistics management officers, among other health workers.
“UNICEF also provided 300 mama kits for distribution to pregnant women ahead of delivery in the various health facilities.
“We attended to about 30 patients yesterday, including soldiers, though we started a bit late as a result of logistics. But we have already treated 14 patients this morning.”
While highlighting prevalent diseases in the area to include peptic alcer disease, malaria paracites, pains, hypertension, diabetes, among others, Okoye disclosed plans to extend the outreach to correctional facilities, after due processes were completed.
She appreciated UNICEF for its sustained intervention as well as state government, particularly governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo and Health Commissioner, Dr.Afam Obidike,for providing manpower towards the success of the project.
The beneficiaries in Onitsha North and South appreciated UNICEF for making them smile to good health despite the havoc the 2022 flood caused in their localities.
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