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Tag: #Janet Ekpenyong

  • Ayade Calls For Effective Data Management For Optimized Service Delivery In The Health Sector

    Ayade Calls For Effective Data Management For Optimized Service Delivery In The Health Sector

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has called for improved data management system in the health sector for optimized service delivery across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state and the country.

    Senator Ayade was speaking during the flag off ceremony of the Community Health Management Information System in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital aimed at strengthing synergy between the State and Federal Government.

    The Governor who was represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said, quality and precised data remains the bedrock of effective policy planning and implementation.

    She said, the government of Cross River State have over the years leveraged on optimized data collection and synchronization using home grown principles which are relative to various Communities with best standard practices being upheld.

    According to Dr Ekpenyong ” if we must have a working and formidable program and policies, we must ensure we generate quality and reliable data by taking advantage of programs like the Community Health Intervention Program (CHIPs), Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) which are designed to bridge health services delivery gaps and approaches at the grassroot, by creating demand for available health services at the health centers.
    The CHIPS program is designed to ensure follow-up of pregnant women and children to access ANC services and immunization services respectively and other available services in the nearest facilities”.

    The New comprehensive community health management information system (CHMIS) tool will help generate quality, timely and reliable data that will reveal gaps and where the state is doing well that will further inform decision and needed intervention.

    She further maintained that quality data collated from communities will help address various challenges in the health sector while also appreciating the state governor for his selfless disposition towards the implementation of health policies and the improvement of healthcare delivery in the state. She also thanked the federal government for acknowledging that there are gaps in the current HMIS tools and for providing solution to tackle the gaps. She also appreciated them for picking Cross River State as one of the states to pilot the tool.
    She encouraged those to be trained on the new tools to pay attention and be very involved as they will cascade all information and knowledge acquired to those in their LGAs.

    In his response, the Honourable Minister of Health represented by Mrs Osindeinde Ademilayo, intimated that accurate data will bring to awareness various challenges faced by states and specific programs thereby helping in managing problems.
    She reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the health system of the country by applying a bottom up approach.

    In his remark, a consultant in the Federal Ministry of Health on Community Health Management Information System, Dr Nathaniel Afolabi disclosed that, the Ministry will partner with the state government in training Facilitators on quality data collection and implementation processes for basic programs in the state.

    He said, with collaborations with UNICEF , the Ministry will undergo preliminary training in three selected Local Government Areas namely, Boki, Odukpani and Obudu on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for field exercise for selected diseases and outbreaks.

    “The aims and roles of CHMIS is to provide data for informed Community decision making, as well as promote community ownership of health intervention and help monitor progress. It is aimed at encouraging pregnant women on the importance of Antenatal care to eradicate maternal mortality and other common diseases around us”.

    He further added that the Scheme will help incorporate data in Communities and bring them up among Community workers which are more reliable, with tendency towards improving efficiency for effective decision making.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Cross River State, Dr Iwara Iwara, stated that tools are to be used at the community level noting that Participants are to be trained because without adequate data from the source, there will be no accurate data at the State level; therefore urging everyone to maintain attentiveness so as to arrive at appropriate and accurate data and to cascade the knowledge gain to the community.

    A Representative of UNICEF, Dr Olusoji Akinleye emphasized the importance of quality data as a tool for advocacy and decision making, encouraging the participants to prioritize the training as it will help the state achieve reliable data.

    Also present were members from Federal Ministry of Health, Cross River State Ministry of Health,, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Dr Fatima of UNICEF who immensely contributed their quota for the success of the programme.
    High point of the event was the official Flag-off of the training by His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade ably represented by the Director General, Dr Janet Ekpenyong.

    Globally, Data is said to be the focal agent of change, planning, development in every field of endeavor comprising of selective methods including processes of Data Collected, Data reporting, data analysis and implementation. The pilot will be in three LGAs as plans are in the way for scale up to other LGAS in the state.

  • USAID Commends CRSG As Health Partners Seeks Approaches Towards Equitable Distribution Of Vaccines Across The State

    USAID Commends CRSG As Health Partners Seeks Approaches Towards Equitable Distribution Of Vaccines Across The State

    By Simon Ushie

    As part of approaches aimed at ensuring effective and efficient health service delivery in the State, Health Care Partners are seeking collaborations with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for equitable vaccines distributions.

    United States Agency for International Development (USAID) teamlead, Dr Abujo Kalajuo made the disclosure in Calabar, during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong noting that, such intervention will put an end to vaccine hesitancy and stock out in the state.

    He said, building an effective supply and distribution chain in Local Government Areas will promote prompt and timely access to various vaccines and present them to Cross Riverians in their most active states.

    He further maintained that, all Health care Partners ought to collaborate with willing government agencies and States to ensure that a deliberate mechanism in implemented for all facilities to be covered as he commended His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his investment in the health sector and ensuring vaccine equity in the state . He also applauded the state for being flexible and adjusting to partner’s demand for the benefit of the state.

    In her response, the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, felicitated with the group for their visit noting that the state is always willing and ready to partner with groups for the overall interest of the state and nation.

    Dr Ekpenyong disclosed that, the state boast of a standard and centralized Cold Chain facility in Calabar Metropolis where we ensure vaccines are stored in their most potent form.

    She noted that there are Zonal Cold chain facilities in Ikom to carter for those in the Central Senatorial District and Ogoja Store for those in the Northern District with Mini Cold Chain facilities in all 18 Local Government Areas of the state, which are well managed and maintained.

    She therefore requested the group support towards vaccines carriers and refrigerators for baking ice packs to
    maintain vaccine potency all the way to the last mile adding that, with the epileptic power supply in the country, the state is faced with seeking more expensive alternatives to ensure viability of vaccines all year round.

    “As a state we are committed to vaccine safety, efficacy and equitable distribution, as we have our Cold chain well functional here in Calabar, and other zonal Cold chain stores for easy access by local government areas, we need the refrigerators to make sure our vaccines remain potent. She also informed the team on the plans of the state to integrate services and seeked their support to leverage on available community volunteers to serve as CHIPS Agents. She used the opportunity to intimate them on the recently launched the CHIPS program and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund programme. The CHIPS Agents will help us ensure we provide integrated services including OBR, OPV, HIV, Covid-19, etc and ensure there’s demand creation for facility utilization, especially for women during pregnancy and delivery.
    Some of our major challenges are issues of data collection after vaccination, we
    seek assistance in the areas of data reconciliation, health workers and volunteers training, ultra cold chain equipment installation to manage the quantity and quality of vaccines”.
    She also requested for USAID to support the state with HiV testing kits as alot of pregnant women are not tested when they visit facilities for ANC. She said the state has made progress in the fight against HIV/AIDs and it will be important to sustain the gains.

    Another respondent from the USAID team, Mr. Obianeri Victor (PMS – L & SC), acknowledged the Agency which has always been the first point of calls for health care service delivery and emergencies sequel to any diseases outbreak, as such, PHCs must be well equipped and vaccines put in place and stored properly properly.

    Also speaking, a Deputy Director oftheAgency and HIV/AIDs focal person Mrs. Ekaette Ekpenyong, on her part also seek for support in providing HIV testing kits and help pushing of vaccines to all LGAs especially in hard to reach areas.

    Mrs. Utiung, Nutrition focal person also added that nutritional supplement should be made available in all PHCs as it concerns orphan and vulnerable children and pregnant women as good nutrition leads to good health and growth.

    Also, in attendance were Director, Community and Family Health SPHCDA,Mrs Sally Enyim, programme officers and Implementing Partners like Heartland Alliance, FHI 360, Breakthrough Action, CCRN, and others who in their contributions added a plus to the way forward of the State Health sector.

  • C’River Takes The Lead, Commences Midwives Training For BHCPF Programme, As States And Fed Govt Seeks Measures To Curb Maternal And Child Mortality

    C’River Takes The Lead, Commences Midwives Training For BHCPF Programme, As States And Fed Govt Seeks Measures To Curb Maternal And Child Mortality

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government through its Primary Healthcare Development Agencies are calling for decent and outright measures to effective Health Care service delivery to help reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality in Cross River State.

    The call was made during the flag off ceremony of the Training/ orientation for newly recruited midwives with the theme ” Reach Every Ward with Skilled Birth Attendants (REWSB)” as part of modalities towards the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund programme implementation in the state.

    The Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Janet Ekpenyong in an opening remarks, thanked the federal government for it’s contributions towards the actualization of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund programme in states adding that the scheme will boost adequate facility utilization especially in the rural areas.

    She maintained that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund programme has played an important role in developing and strengthening of health facilities and at large the Primary Healthcare system by ensuring that health services are administered rightly and at it’s set pace.

    She also commended the state Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for all his effort in pushing the health sector to the next level noting that he has placed a top priority on the Health sector which have really helped in strengthening the health care services in the State.

    “”Midwives play a huge role in creating demand for facility utilization, especially for pregnant women and children under 5. If you have a nurse and a midwife in a health facility, you are more confident that pregnant women are going to be receiving quality health services from a skilled birth attendant.”

    ” In our effort to ensure that we can reduce maternal and infant mortality, we believe that a skilled birth attendant should be in our health facilities and that is why His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade is committed to the actualization of this laudable initiative in Cross River State.”

    “We are also glad that Cross River State is the first state to implement this program in the country. This is actually a national policy and it is expected that every state will benefit from the basic healthcare fund. However, I will encourage everyone to buy in and let there be that political will that can give it the necessary push.”

    In his response, the representative of the ED, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Obasi gave an insight on the objectives of the training which he said is to ensure that Nurses and Midwives become well trained ,equipped with modern regiments of service .

    He said, the training will afford the beneficiaries the requisite details and offer them the capacity to disseminate same knowledge when rendering health care services; and to ensure seemless Birth delivery in Health facilities and not in Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs).

    He also advised the State should leverage on Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to improve the capacities of Midwives as training/orientation is strictly with a focus of having skilled Birth Attendants in the State Health Centres as he pledged full support for the program.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, in his remarks, stated that having to train Midwives, it will help reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality rate, it will help safeguard the lives of pregnant women, noting that more funds must be pushed and set aside for the health sector.

    This training is very important because it has been the concern of the government to reduce maternal, neonatal, and childhood mortality in the country and Cross River State in particular. 512 women out of every 100,000 lives die as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, this is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

    Speaking on the challenges the training will help address, Mrs. Gertrude Usani, a retired Director of Nursing Services, Cross River State mentioned that the training is coming at the right time and that issues bothering on Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), child and maternal mortality will be managed and well addressed.

    “The government has come in timely to select retired and well-experienced midwives to attend to the necessity on ground. What is happening now is that we are lacking a lot of skilled manpower in the health centers and grassroots areas”.
    ” So selecting us to go there and man the manpower that is there will help reduce the maternal and child mortality and morbidity rate in the state.”
    “One major issue we must address is the issue of TBAs. The TBAs most times bite more than they can chew. Some of them are experienced but we always tell them to refer to a higher cadre hospital when they identify complications. But they always try to sort things out by themselves till the cases are complicated beyond management, they now send it to the hospital.”
    Other contributions came in from the Permanent secretary SMOH represented by the DA Barr John Odu, Permanent secretary SPHCDA Barr Emmanuel Ekeh, Mrs Pauline Obute Director Nursing services, Secretary of the board, Barr Dan Effiom,
    Sally Enyim, Director Community and family Health, Mrs Ekaete Ekpenyong, BHCPF focal person, Dr Ojo of World Health Organization,Dr Daggy of MSF and other supportive partners who commended the state government for it’s pace in the adaptation of modern medical practices and it’s resultant effects on citizens.
    High point of the event was the official Flag-off by the Chairman House Committee on Health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey and the nurses pledge by the midwives who pledged to ensure best practices in their health facilities.

  • GADA Seeks Collaboration With CRSPHCDA To Check Gender Based Violence In The State

    GADA Seeks Collaboration With CRSPHCDA To Check Gender Based Violence In The State

    By Simon Ushie

    As part of measures aimed at ensuring effective and efficient health services delivery in the state, the Cross River State Government and Centre for “Gender and Development Action” have sued for collaborations in order to offer medical and clinical supports to victims of Gender based violence across the state .

    Speaking during a courtesy and advocacy visit by the members of the Cross River State GADA network, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong applauded the team for the positive roles in managing the crude effects of gender based violence in the society.

    Dr Ekpenyong said the visit and need to develop a web-chained policy to bind both bodies is thoughtful as she noted that, gender-based violence has metamorphosied into a core issue leading to mental and psychological health decline over the years.

    She noted that, the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency through the social mobilization team have reached out to various groups and Communities including schools, religious and Political bodies to sensitize women and men on the devastating effects of gender based violence which over the years had resulted into deaths.

    She further assured the visiting team of Government’s full support for their programmes and policies as well amicably collaborate with other “Gender Sensitive” partners like the UNFPA and other relevant stakeholders in the sector in bringing about speedy multiplier-effect in the nearest future. She committed to ensuring some health facilities will provide free health services to victims and will also advocate for the inclusion of GBV victims as vulnerables into the health insurance scheme to ensure they get free health care.

    Team lead for the Cross River State Gender and Development Action and state Programme Officer, Ms. Praise Amaujo hinted that the Agency is committed to eliminating violence against vulnerable females who are either incapacitated financially or are vulnerable through unfavorably societal laws and influnces.

    Amaujo maintained that GADA has created Peer Clubs in Schools, social and medical services among others as part of modalities put in place on its sustainability plan, adding that it has also increased support for continuity from PHC with priority on emergencies.

    She also disclosed that training of Health workers for effective and efficient service delivery is apt moreso, as to inculcate a sense of responsibility amongst female counterparts in the health sector hence the need for broader and more realistic framework between the group and the government of Cross River State.

    Also speaking, the Director, Community and Family Health Services, Mrs. Sally Enyim, lauded the GADA team, describing the visit as; not only worthwhile, but timely noting that as the female child are easily swayed by peer groups in perpetuating acts viewed inimical to societal norms and values.

    Continuing, Enyim strongly subscribed to training and re-training of the vulnerable gender, maintaining that the exercise would further afford them a better and/or informed direction , re-strategize the gap created between their incessant misgivings as well bring to fore those virtues upheld by the society.

    The visit also featured other important dignitaries from GADA and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

  • Eid-Ul-Fitr 2022: Dr Ekpenyong Felicitates With Muslims On Successful End Of Fast, Seeks Collaboration To End Disease Scourge

    Eid-Ul-Fitr 2022: Dr Ekpenyong Felicitates With Muslims On Successful End Of Fast, Seeks Collaboration To End Disease Scourge

     

    As the month of Ramadan comes to an end via the citation of Moon signalling the end of the 30 days fast , Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has felicitated with Muslim faithfuls in the state and country over the successful end of the month long fast as she calls for collective efforts in ending both preventable and non-preventable diseases.

    In a Sallah message tagged, ” Need for Religious Tolerance and Collective Efforts in Ending Disease Scourge” , the SPHCDA boss thanked God for a “health Disaster” free month reflecting on the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus which kept the world at stand still for two years .

    She said, by simple adherence to the regulations dished out by Government, the world was able to curtail the spread of the virus, noting that, if adherence are been given to guildlines to prevent the spread of other diseases, we all will enjoy a healthy nation tolerating each other.

    She urged citizens to pray for the state and nation, seeking wisdom in the choice of the next sets of leaders who will pilot the affairs of the nation in the next Four years as Electioneering processes are set to kick start.

    “Fasting does not only improve the Spiritual Well-being of participants but also their physical, emotional and health well-being as it gives opportunity to relax, reflex and maintain healthy lifestyles, hence the more gratitude we should feel when we fast.

    Beyond fasting and prayers , It’s time we unite as a state and people to fight the evil that fights our health, as we are all aware, Diseases knows no religion, tribe or ethnicity therefore we must jointly endeavor to end the scourges of infectious, communicable and transmittable diseases in Cross River State and the Nation at large.

    As a state we must join hands together both as Christians and muslims to support the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade noting that, if his zeal and commitment in nation building is given an enabling ground to flourish, our nation will become the paradise we all desire to live in”.

    She further advised all citizens and residents in the state to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and to seek medical advise instead of advancing self medication and other compromising conducts.

  • C’River To Vaccinate 900,000 Children Against Wild Poliomyelitis Type 2, As Obol Lopon Of Ugep Flag-Off Campaign

    C’River To Vaccinate 900,000 Children Against Wild Poliomyelitis Type 2, As Obol Lopon Of Ugep Flag-Off Campaign

     

    Over 900,000 children between the ages of 0-59 months in Cross River State are set to be vaccinated against Poliomyelitis, one of the deadliest disease in the history of mankind as the Obol Opol of Ugep flagg of exercise in his palace at Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.

    For Dr Janet Ekpenyong Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, it was not just an epoch making event but historic because according to her , “the role of the traditional rulers can never be over emphasized especially in delivering quality and productive Healthcare to citizens”.

    She employed parents and caregivers to protect the lives of the next generation by granting them the opportunity to get vaccinated within the stipulated time citing example with the Obol Opol who has often led in the mobilization of children within his Community for similar exercises.

    She said, immunization is a right of a child and the child should not be deprived. She also chipped that the state government with support from partner agencies have mapped out strategies to get all children vaccinated irrespective of weather conditions, topographical challenges as well as other surmountable barriers which hindered accessibility and 100% coverage in the time past.

    Dr Ekpenyong said, with the commitment of health workers with compelling voices from strategic leaders like the Traditional Rulers council, Religious leaders, Government functionaries, Youths and Women leaders, the state has remained Poliomyelitis free despite panicking figures from some states of the federation.

    According to her, with the devastating effects of the Disease to children within 0-59 months which includes economic, psychological and general well-being, all hands must be on deck for continuous and non stop advocacies and sensitization in churches, schools , markets and other places of public gathering .

    She appreciates the efforts of His Royal Majesty, the Obol Opol of Ugep in identifying with the health sector as his continuous advocacies has led to the advancement of the health sector in Yakurr Local Government Area as well as the state at large.

    “Today, we are officially flagging off the First round of the Outbreak Response on Poliomyelitis for our children between the ages of 0-59 months because they are the most vulnerable because of the level of their immunity.
    Because of the Outbreak of the type 2 Poliomyelitis, the Federal and state governments embarked on this response to ensure that child mortality rate is lowered as this disease has a ripple effect on the socio, economic and general well-being of affected families.

    So far in Cross River State, no record of Poliomyelitis 2 variant has been recorded, this is due to the collective efforts of all stakeholders including the traditional, religious and political leaders who are determined to see a healthier Cross River State”. The choice of flag off at the palace of the Obol Lopon is because the role of the traditional institution in the promotion of health activities cannot be over emphasized, and the Obol lopon has always been a voice and a champion of vaccination.

    The Obol Opol of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Ofem Ubana Eteng and host of the event was excited that exercise of such magnitude is being decentralized to encourage participation and give a sense of belonging to all Communities in the state.

    He pledged his support towards raising awareness on the Outbreak Response on Poliomyelitis and other health interventions in order to compliment the efforts of the state government and health workers who work tirelessly for the outright elimination of all vaccine preventable diseases.

    On his part, the Director Public Health, State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, reiterated Government’s commitment to eradicating vaccine preventable diseases and encouraged the mothers to ensure their children are vaccinated as it is the responsibility of the parents to protect their children.

    The Director Disease Control and Immunization and state Immunization Officer applauded the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for showing commitment in reaching out to all children across the state irrespective of where they are and emphasized in the importance of Immunization and asked care givers to use this opportunity to ensure their children get all the complete routine immunization .

    Other speakers who spoke include the representative of the World Health Organization Dr Pella of WHO, UNICEF National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, where they pledged their continued support to Cross River State Government and encouraged Mothers and caregivers to utilize this opportunity for good.

    Some parents who spoke testified to the commitment of health workers in their various Communities as they expressed their gratitude to the state government and it’s partners for introducing the high impact intervention.
    High point of the event was the oral adminstration of the Vaccine to children at the venue, Covid-19 vaccination for adults and the distribution of health packs to pregnant and nursing mothers.

    The exercise which began on the 9th of April is expected to officially climax on the 12th of April with two additional days for the sorting of missed children in the community as health workers are expected to move from house to House, schools, churches , markets places , some temporary post as well as permanent health facilities.

  • Mental Health: CRSG To Partner Federal Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital To Strengthen Mental Health Services In The State, As Over 196 PHC Facilities Set To Offer Services

    Mental Health: CRSG To Partner Federal Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital To Strengthen Mental Health Services In The State, As Over 196 PHC Facilities Set To Offer Services

     

    Over 50 million Nigerians are said to be suffering from various degrees of mental health illnesses with only a fraction of about 10% of the affected individuals having full access to medical facilities and care due to complacency of admission into designated facilities.

    With an emerging trend of mental health issues among pregnant and nursing mothers suffering post partum stress , there is need to incorporate mental health regiments as part of services enjoyed by women in Primary Healthcare Centres during antenatal services to avoid complications in the nearest future , not also forgetting the increasing figures of substance abuse by young adults in secondary and tertiary places of learning and other mental health problems such as depression.

    Part of these were the motivation which led a team of medical experts from the Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital to pay a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong in her office to seek ways of creating a timely and lasting solution.

    Led by Dr Edak Okwong of the “Mental Health Prevention and Promotion” unit of the Institution , the body is seeking to collaborate with the Cross River State Government via the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in raising awareness as well as training health care providers on early detection and basic management of suspected mental health cases and strengthen linkage/referral of cases to secondary facilities.

    They said, with most of the population of victims living in rural areas, access to the Neuro-psychiatric hospital could be demanding and as such, creating a flexible platform for preliminary clinical services before situation detoriates.

    She praised the Director General for her innovative disposition in the upgrade of Primary Healthcare facilities across the state, with staff discipline a worthy and enviable achievements.

    Responding to the team’s visit, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong thanked the team for the visit, describing the collaboration as timely and audacious in checking the declining mental health situations of Cross Riverians.

    According to her “Mental Health is a huge challenge in the society today and so much awareness needs to be created, especially with the increasing number of young adults who get involved with substance abuse as well as some strange complications such as depression arising from pregnancy and post patum stress in women and slow development in children.

    She said , although the management of these illnesses are beyond the scopes and operations of the Primary Healthcare Centres, early stages of these illnesses could be attended to as well as counseling services provided to clients by health workers who are well trained with desired skills. They’ll also know when and where to refer cases to.

    The DG appealed to them to reactivate the mental health clinic in General hospital Calabar and other secondary facilities in the state to serve as hubs for referral cases from primary health centres.

    She said She’s hopeful that in the nearest future, selected workers who will be trained will cascade the teachings to other staff as the Primary Healthcare Centres is readily available to provide supportive roles to the Neuro-psychiatric Hospital. She committed to ensuring that mental health awareness is integrated into the PHC services.

    At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to the prioritization of at least one Facility in all 196 wards of Cross River State to manage Mental Health related issues, incorporate Mental Health education and sensitization to the state Social Mobilization Curriculum, Periodic training of Health workers on the innovation and requirements for managing mental Health patients amongst others.

    High points of the meeting was the conferment of the Mental Health Ambassador/Advocate title on the Director General and two of the Directors of the Agency for their Unquantifiable contributions towards mental health education and elimination of related illnesses in the state.

    Present at the meeting and other contributions were made by Mrs Joy Chabo, (Director, Disease Control and Immunization), Mrs Sally Enyim(Director, Community and Family Services ), Mrs Unawu Elizabeth.

  • CRSG Flags Off 2022 National Immunization Days Plus Campaign

    CRSG Flags Off 2022 National Immunization Days Plus Campaign

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government have flagged off the National Immunization Plus Days Exercise with a call to parents and caregivers to maximize the opportunity in getting rid of vaccine preventable diseases in the state.

    The state Deputy Governor , His Excellency, Prof Ivara Esu gave the charge in Calabar during the official flag off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days Exercise at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office Calabar.

    Performing the exercise, Professor Ivara Esu described the exercise as one amongst the most essential civic responsibilities that must be performed by parents in order to raise a guaranteed society rid of common communicable and preventable deaths.

    The Dep Governor assured that the administration of Senator Prof Benedict Ayade will continue to place greater premium to the health needs of the people of the state through funding and regular upgrading of facilities and equipment to move along with the developed world in the 21st century world.

    Prof Esu maintained further that the importance of the Immunization exercise cannot be overflogged bearing in mind the devastating effects of such childhood diseases such as measles and polio in particular which affect the limbs of children amongst others.

    He commended the Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency SPHCDA, Dr Janet Ekpenyong for the level of passion and enthusiasm she has put into ensuring that the health agency is one of the flagship and point of pride in the country, stressing that the achievement recorded by the agency and the state health sector in general during the COVID-19 right from 2019 is proudly amazing. He also commended the entire health team led by the Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu for their response against Covid-19 and other health matters in the state.

    In her remarks the Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said the NIPDs is one of those high impact interventions initiated by the federal and state government with partners to sustain the gains made in the eradication of the wild polio virus. She said the NIPDs serves as an opportunity to get all children within the ages of 0-5years protected against polio, particularly those who for some reason may have missed out on the routine Immunization. She said the exercise targets over 900,000 children which she promised that the state will achieve 100%.

    She expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation to the state Governor, Senator Prof Benedict Ayade through the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu for his sincere commitment towards the realization of the the lofty ideals set out for the agency and the health sector to achieve.

    According to her, the commitment and support from the state hierarchy including Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade, has actually fast tracked the achievements of the agency and the health sector as shown in previous successes and current strides which today has rated Cross River State among top performing state in the country.

    Dr. Ekpenyong disclosed that it is as the result of this encouragement from their Excellencies that her agency and the health sector is at the forefront of other health care development drive in the country to ensure that the gains of the past are sustained and more strides are achieved for the benefit of the people. She also commended, the Hon Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu and other health team members for the great leadership and team spirit which is yielding result.

    On his part, the Chairman House Committee on health, Cross River House of Assembly, Dr. Ekpo-Ekpo Bassey, revealed that the primary purpose of government is to provide security and welfare as lucidly captured in the nation’s constitition.

    He maintained that health care is one of the essential components of the welfare programme on which is placed on the shoulder of government, while pledging on behalf of the CRHA to partner with the PHCDA to ensure that the people enjoy quality and robust health services.

    The Chairman of Akpabuyo LGA, and Chairman of Chairmen Hon Emmanuel Bassey pledged support of all LGA Chairmen to Immunization and other PHC activities.

    The event coincided with the 2022 Maiden Meeting of the state Task Team on Immunization, the Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman of the meeting said that Immunisation is a veritable national and state exercise which is ultimately vital in the life of the citizenry, most importantly for those from zero to 59 months.

    High points of the day was goodwill messages from development partners including WHO, UNICEF, while the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu administered the vaccine to some babies assisted by the Chairman, House Committee on HEALTH, Dr. Bassey, the Director General of PHCDA, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local government Area and Chairman of Chairmen in the state, Emmanuel Bassey.

  • Stakeholders Seeks Funding As Cross River Marks World Neglected Tropical Disease Day

    Stakeholders Seeks Funding As Cross River Marks World Neglected Tropical Disease Day

    By Simon Ushie

    An estimate of One in every walking Five people globally are said to be suffering from some form of Neglected Tropical Disease with a higher percentage of patients residing in poor income countries of the world.

    Globally, January 30th has been set aside to mark the “World Neglected Tropical Disease Day” with stakeholders uniting to chat a new course towards reduction and possible elimination of these “stigma ” bound diseases which leaves patients socially excluded from other people.

    In Cross River State, the day was marked with deep sense of reflection on the dangers these ailments poses to communities as greater attention was given in alignment to this year’s theme, “Achieving Health Equity To End The Neglect Of Poverty Related Diseases” with various speakers sharing their thoughts.

    Addressing participants and stakeholders the lead to whom greater responsibility rest upon in the sensitization, awareness creation, prevention, detection, care and treatment of these diseases, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,.
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong calls for greater resource mobilization from partners for cohesive and radical fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.

    The DG noted that, although much resources is already earmarked towards the cause, improved budgetry provision should be made in order to help incorporate NTDs with other common diseases which are highly sort after in the Primary Healthcare facilities.

    She said, the state is commited towards fighting these disease as it has shown commitment through the appointment of Community Informants, NTD focal persons in all the LGAs which has contributed in improved surveillance and tackling suspected cases especially in Children.

    “I’m proud of the outcome in recent survey as we saw the need to intensify surveillance in our various Communities through the appointment of Community Informants, NTD focal persons who go around enlightening people on the dangers of NTDs and administration of deworming tablets to children.
    These diseases lead to high mortality in our Communities and that is why we are calling on all stakeholders to mobilize resources to fight the diseases, so that they are been tackled at the earliest stages and we will ensure they are integrated into Primary Healthcare services along other diseases”.
    She thanked RTI for all their support in tackling NTDs in the state and their commitment to partner with the state to
    Also speaking, the Chairman house committee on health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, assured the participants that the house of assembly will ensure health is prioritized in the state budget and will also work with the ministry of health to include NTDs in the budget.
    The Director of Public health reiterated the health sector commitment in ensuring that NTDs like other diseases will get the necessary attention. He also appreciated RTI for all their support to the state

    Other speakers who spoke commended the Cross River State Government for timely interventions in Riverine Communities through aggressive mobilization of health workers in offering deworming tablets to pregnant women and children who are more prone to these infection.
    They also called on Government to invest more in the health sector, to ensure those with NTDs have equitable access to health care services.
    At the end of the forum, all parties present agreed to
    1)Create sense of ownership and the drive the Neglected Tropical Disease program sustainability agenda In the state .
    2)Advocate for state program counterparts funding and promote local resource mobilization for Neglected Tropical Disease elimination.
    3) Consolidate on the state’s achievements in Creating more awareness and sensitize stakeholders towards complete elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Cross River State.

    These diseases which are most predominate in rural Communities where water supply and sanitation are substandard are either being spread by Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites and can be minimized by observing personal and environmental hygiene.

    Participants were drawn from the Federal and State ministries of Health, the Nigerian Medical Association, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, UCTH Development Partners and other Private Medical Practitioners.

  • CRSPHCDA, MOH To Commence National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS) Across The State – Ekpenyong

    CRSPHCDA, MOH To Commence National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS) Across The State – Ekpenyong

    The Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners will commence National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS) across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state Cto combat the Spread of Poliomyelitis.

    The Response which targets children between the ages of 0-59 months will be administered Orally in all Government Health Facilities and designated temporary posts in our various Communities.

    Parents and care givers are admonished to bring out their kids and wards for the vaccination execise as health care providers will be moving from house to house, available in churches, schools, recreational centres, markets and other areas.

    Date: Saturday 29th January through Tuesday 1st of February, 2022.

    Note: The Vaccine is free, safe and effective for all children.

    For enquiry call: 0704 556 3366 or 07036696010.

    This message is brought to you by Dr Janet Ekpenyong
    Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency