Anambra commits N25m on drugs for de-worming children
Anambra State government said it has committed N25million worth of drugs to the deworming programme aimed at ensuring healthy growth for over 2.5million children in the state. Health Commissioner Dr. Joe Akabike made the disclosure at the launch of state-wide free de-worming programme for children between ages one to 15 at a primary school in […]
Anambra State government said it has committed N25million worth of drugs to the deworming programme aimed at ensuring healthy growth for over 2.5million children in the state.
Health Commissioner Dr. Joe Akabike made the disclosure at the launch of state-wide free de-worming programme for children between ages one to 15 at a primary school in Isu-Anaocha, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
He said the week-long exercise was launched to prepare children in primary schools for the Federal Government School Feeding programme by commencing the de-worming ahead to ensure that the children are worm-free and ready, as well as keeping the food hygienic and safe from worms before consumption.
The commissioner commended the implementing partners for conducting the needs assessment Survey of Poverty Distribution and Access to Social Services in 21 LGAS in Anambra State conducted by the UNDP in conjunction with Anambra State Ministry of Economic Planning.
He disclosed that the team identified six under-served local government areas mainly in remote agrarian communities including Anambra North which was chosen for the launch of the free deworming programme.
Dr. Akabike further revealed that Anambra scored 9 points in the nation-wide assessment of the Rate of Stuntedness to come first ahead of other states, even as he said that the state is committed to reducing the rate of prevalence to zero.
Reassuring government determination to improve the health and living conditions of people in the state, the commissioner highlighted many of the programmes of the state in the health sector including, rehabilitation of 65 Primary Health Centres, Drug Revolving Fund, setting up of a Central Drug Store, rehabilitation of General Hospitals in the Senatorial Districts, as well as the Health Insurance Scheme which would soon take-off among others.
Also speaking during the event, the wife of the governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano advised mothers to ensure the quality of food given to their children include nutrients like vegetables to help them avoid worm infestation that may lead to stunted growth of average child in the state.
She underscored the importance of the launch as well as the need for mothers to give children balanced diet, saying worm-free children grow healthy and strong.
“The food a child eats while growing up is important because it helps both his physical and mental development. Although resources are scarce and we are in recession, mothers should try and feed children with vegetables” she said.