Two non-governmental organisations, Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network and the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, have begun grassroots sensitisation to avert the ongoing cholera scourge ravaging parts of the country.
In their maiden programme on Monday, the groups took their sensitisation campaign to Igbogene community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, stressing the need for hygiene amongst other issues.
During the community engagement, the Executive Director of WOMAN, Eunice Nnachi, urged the people to be vigilant to identify early signs of cholera.
Nnachi warned against self-medication and home remedies and advised the people to refer anyone displaying symptoms of cholera to the appropriate medical facilities for both quarantine and treatment.
Stressing the importance of sanitation, access to clean water, washing of hands and environmental cleanliness in the prevention of cholera, she also used the occasion to address issues of drug abuse, especially among the youth and the neglect of maternal health in the area.
Nnachi called for the implementation of comprehensive drug abuse prevention and treatment programmes and increased investments in maternal healthcare services to reduce maternal deaths.
The paramount ruler of Igbogene community, Augustine Ikein, who was present during the community engagement, pledged to work closely with WOMAN and ENWAF to tackle drug abuse and maternal health concerns in the area.
Ikein expressed gratitude for the initiative of the NGOs and pledged to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare providers and community leaders to develop a holistic strategy to address the health challenges in the community.
He recognized the need for a multifaceted approach that would leverage on the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to improve the overall well-being of the Igbogene community.
He described the visit as a crucial step in empowering the community and fostering collaborative efforts to address the pressing health and social issues affecting Igbogene.
He emphasized the importance of private initiatives like WOMAN and ENWAF in partnering with traditional rulers, the government and other stakeholders to promote human welfare and collective well-being.
He said, “Both in advanced and developing countries, we encourage your kind of organisation to partner, not only with traditional rulers, but the government itself, in an attempt to promote human welfare.
“You cannot leave it alone for the formal government to take all the work. This private initiative is a welcome idea to add value, promote and create collective welfare.”