…UNICEF also provided mama kits for distribution to pregnant women
The United Nations Education Fund (UNICEF) has commenced a 3-month free health care outreach for flood victims in Anambra State.
The State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Ministry of health, Dr. Obianuju Okoye who disclosed this to reporters in Onitsha on Wednesday, said no fewer than 5000 persons were being targeted from the outreach.
She said a total of 560 health care workers has been trained on modified life saving skills for the exercise which would be carried out in 10 Local Government Areas affected by the surge.
She listed the local government areas to include Anambra East and West, Onitsha North and South, Awka North, Anyamelum, Idemili North, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo and Ihiala.
She said, “We have 21 health facilities we’re using as hub from where we distribute to various wards where the flood had much impact.
“The project is fully sponsored by UNICEF after first Lady’s visit to IDP camps in company of Health Commissioner, Afam Obidike. It’s an integrated approach with annids that takes care of HIV and carvical cancer screening sponsored by WHO.
“The 560 workers include the first 110 residentials and 45 in each LGA made up of reproductive health supervisors, social mobilization officers, among other health workers.
“UNICEF also provided 300 mama kits for distribution to pregnant women ahead of delivery in the various 21 health facilities.
“We attended to about 30 patients yesterday, including soldiers, though we started a bit late as a result of logistics. This morning we’ve treated 14 already.
“We intend to carry the exercise to the prison inmates, after due processes were followed.”
Okoye highlighted diseases prevalent in the area to include peptic alcer disease, malaria paracites, pains, hypertension, diabetes, high blood pressure, among others.
She appreciated UNICEF for its sustained intervention as well as state government, particularly Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo and Health Commissioner, Afam Obidike for providing manpower towards the success of the project.
One of the beneficiaries, Chukwuemeka Okafor said he was at the Primary Healthcare center following series of pains he suffered while the flood lasted, just as he thanked UNICEF for offering the free services.
