Efio-Ita Nyok|10 June 2017
COLLABORATES WITH PARAMOUNT RULERS TO ENSURE MATERNAL NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH WEEK IS SUCCESSFUL IN THE STATE.
Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr Betta Edu yesterday visited the Muri Munene and Grand Patriarch of Efut Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (Elder) Effiong Okokon Mbukpa Ebuka JP and the Ndidem of the QUA Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality, HRM Ndidem (Dr) Patrick Inok Oqua-Agbor V in their palaces respectively.
The Visit which was in line with the coming Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week in the state afforded the royal fathers opportunity to get brief on the packages to be unveiled during the one week exercise and their expected roles to be played.
Speaking to the Royal fathers, Dr Betta Edu said the child and mother survival interventions is free for all children from 0-59 months and pregnant mothers, women and children in general.
She said the exercise is aimed at promoting, encouraging mothers and the general public on the need for their wards to benefit from the following interventions "Vitamin A supplement for children, screening for malnutrition (MUAC), Deworming of children from 12-59 months, Health education on key household practices, nutrition classes for mothers, birth registration, distribution of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets, routine immunization services, PMTCT services, Antenatal care for pregnant women, maternal care and exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr Edu pleaded with the Royal Fathers to use their good office and call on every women, guardian and care givers in their kingdom to bring out their children en mass for the week long exercise. She also pleaded with the royal fathers to mandate pregnant women to deliver with skilled birth attendant in Health centers which will help us reduce maternal mortality in the state.
Responding to the DG, the King of the Efut Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Munene (Elder) Effiong Okokon Mbukpa JP eulogized the digital leadership of His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade and his wife Dr Linda Ayade for the gift of Dr Betta Edu to Cross River State. He said he had closely watched and followed her activities and to say the least he was over impressed. He noted that the DG and her team have been so proactive and sacrificial. "everyday I watch you go from one village to the other talking to our people, giving health interventions, monitoring health workers, providing support to our communities. I don't know where you get the energy and passion to do what you do the way you do it but all I can say is that the God who watches all we do will bless and reward you". He thanked the State Governor for his unlimited support to the State Health Sector which its evidence is shown on the flourishing stride of the Primary Healthcare system.
The Muri Munene of Efut Kingdom spent over 30 mins praying God's blessings on the DG. He poured encomium on the Director General of CRSPHCDA, Dr Betta Edu, whom he described as an excellent young performer which through her wealth of experience and hard work to change the face of primary healthcare in the state making same a model for other states.
"Efut Kingdom is very proud of your effort and by encouraging your good work the Efut Council will be happy to CONFER YOU A CHIEFTAINCY TITLE at your prefer date and convenient. We urge you to liaise with the secretary of the council to inform us when you are ready". The DG however pleaded that she is just a messenger, her Boss is more deserving of it.
Earlier that day, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality, HRM Ndidem (Dr) Patrick Inok Oqua-Agbor V while receiving the MNCH Week team assured the DG of the council maximum support for the one week exercise. He promised to ensuring the town criers disseminate the message to every nook and crannies of QUA Nation.
On the DG team to the advocacy visit were State Immunization Officer, Mrs Grace Utung, State Nutrition Officer, Mrs Regina Adie, Mr Uno from CRBC TV, State Cold Chain Officer, Mrs Kasi Eyong, State M&E officer, Mr Edward Aleje amongst others.
Charles Ekanem
Writes from Calabar
