By: ENEJI Simon Ushie.
In a means towards eradicating some common and transmittable diseases in Cross River State and offer urgent medical solutions to refugees and members of the host Communities, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees have made donations of some medical essentials to compliment the efforts of the State government in offering first class care to the people.
Taking delivery of some Automobile Ambulance, mobile Vaccine carriers and other first aid kits, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade appreciated the United Nations for the donations noting that it will advance urgent and more quality healthcare for the over 60,000 refugees being hosted in various Communities within Ogoja and other Local Government Areas in the state..
Senator Ayade who said the gesture was a prove that, the United Nations acknowledges the contributions made by the state in ensuring that all displaced Cameronians living in Cross River State have been well integrated into the society without any sign of negligence, marginalization or unfair treatment.
He further called for a more harmonized system of welfare supply to the state through the patronage of local farmers and Services in the state to boost the local economy thereby creating a more sustainable development within the camp office, it’s people and their families.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency who spearheaded the support thanked His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade for prioritising the health sector which is attracting support from international organizations. She said the ambulance will boost the state emergency service as the state is working on an emergency response policy. She also said the vaccine carriers will strengthen immunization services while also thanking UNHCR
Responding, Tsefaye Bekele, Sub Head of UNHCR office in Ogoja, Northern Cross River, commended Ayade for the tremendous support Cross River has rendered the refugees since the war broke out many years ago.
According to him, the wide acceptability of the refugees in the various Communities speaks volumes of Cross River State being the Nation’s paradise and homely for all to come and be at rest in.
“I’m very much honoured and privileged to present this token of Ambulance, vehicle and vaccine carriers to the Cross River state government for catering to the needs of the Cameroonian refugees in Ogoja.
“These items are a token to express our appreciation and gratitude for the great support UNCHR has been getting from Cross River state government at all levels since the Cameroonian refugees arrived in the state.
“Majority of the Cameroonian refugees are in Ogoja, that is why our main Office is in Ogoja. I am here with other UN agencies and we are all happy and we express our gratitude, Your Excellency and the entire government for making out time to receive these items”, Bekele said.
The Medical supplies have further been handed over to the Cross River State medical team to for upward distribution to benefiting communities.
Present at the hand over ceremony were the Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, Director General of the Cross River State Health insurance scheme, Mr Goddy Iyala amongst others.
