A tripartite partnership has been initiated by the Presidency, Rivers State government and the 23 local government areas in Rivers state to ease the scourge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and malaria. The campaign would be executed through improved medical outreach programmes.
The programme, which is in line with the vision of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, 5, and 6, is also aimed at reducing child mortality, improve maternal health and curb the spread of several other diseases.
Anchored by the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, the programme has been held in Akuku Toru, Khana, and Omuma local government areas of the state.
Speaking at one of the centres in Kaa-Bangha in Khana local government area, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, stated that under the programme, pregnant women and children would be immunised, adding that children would be de-wormed and health education offered while patients with common ailments would be given free treatments under the programme.
Parker, who was represented by the executive secretary, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), Dr. Claribel Abam, said that government was interested in the reduction of child and maternal mortality, as well as, reduction of preventable diseases.
The paramount ruler of Kaa-bangha community, Chief Saro Mankpugi, who commended the initiative by the government, assured the support and cooperation of his people during the exercise.