The National Youth Service corps (NYSC) through its Health
Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) has kicked off its awareness campaign
against monkey pox and other disease in Cross River state.
The health outreach
programme which focuses on creating awareness and keeping rural settlers
abreast of disease was flagged off at Ikot Ekpo rural settlement on the
outskirt of calabar. Flagging off the programme,Mrs said that the Scheme was
poised to making sure it contributes its own quota through the programme by
enlightening people and keeping them abreast of new disease and how to manage
them effectively. According to her : “Following the threat we face
everyday,people in many rural settlements might not even be aware of such
development ,so as part of our contribution ,we need to educate them” She said.
Also speaking,Mrs Elizabeth Ochichi, Calabar Municipal Primary Healthcare
Coordinator said that inhabitants need to shine thier 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,now that we have monkey pox in the country” “A
lot of people are apprehensive of taking drugs or vaccine from government
becuase 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 diseaes.” “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 OK for use” she stated. On his part, Traditional Ruler of Ikot
Ekpo ,Etiyin Bassey Obo lauded the NYSC for its benevolence and bringing to
health outreach to the community. ” There areca lot of people who ate not aware
of some ailment in thier 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.
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