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Tag: #Janet Ekpenyong

  • UNICROSS Undergraduates Commits To Be Covid-19 Vaccination Champions In C’River State

    UNICROSS Undergraduates Commits To Be Covid-19 Vaccination Champions In C’River State

    By Simon Ushie

    Students of the Cross River University (UNICROSS), have pledged to champion the Covid-19 Vaccination sensitization in their campus, among their peers and across the state.

    They made the commitment during a town hall meeting organized by the Cross River State Government through the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with the conveners of the Campus Youth Covid-19 Vaccination Drive Initiative with support from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children fund in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital.

    Addressing the over 400 students who came out for the event, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong urged the students to take advantage of their Educational exposure and carry out researches instead of relying on social media propaganda aimed at discreditng the Covid-19 Vaccines.

    Represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, Mrs Joy Chabo , the DG outlined the dangers of virus mutation in the body which is only prevented through vaccination and adherence to laid down Protocols.

    She appealed to the young scholars whom she described as “the future of the nation” to join hands with government and other relevant bodies to ensure that the state, nation and the world remains pandemic free stating that the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is opened for partnership with individuals and groups sharing same Vision.

    Also speaking, representative of the Campus Youth Covid-19 Vaccination Drive Initiative, Mr Emmanuel Bamidele said it was necessary to raise champions to help push for vaccination in campuses as the nation works towards getting more people vaccinated, he outlined the responsibilities of the champions to include; Tracking rumours, helping debunk rumours, sharing accurate information, promoting vaccine update, helping friends and family get the right information, rapid Surveying etc.

    Mr Bassey Etim, a Director in the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency also engaged the students on the dangers and harm caused by relaying wrong messages and unverified statements as he challenged them to mention anyone whose adverse effect due to Immunization had led to death or deformity as speculated.

    He encouraged them to get vaccinated and preach the good news noting that, though there is a reduction in reported cases, the virus is still in circulation and affecting those with weak antibodies who may not have been vaccinated.

    Representative from the sponsors applauded the state government for placing health enlightenment campaigns above other programs as they stated that, they are pleased with the level of information circulating around the state and the compliance to vaccination.

    The joyful students pledged their readiness to work with the state government in raising awareness on Covid-19 Vaccination and prevention of other diseases while also volunteering to be vaccinated .

    At the end of the meeting, over 250 students were vaccinated while others chose a different date.

    Also at the meeting were Representatives of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, staff of CRSPHCDA and University of Cross River amongst others.

  • Ekpenyong Advocates For Alternative And Sustainable Power Supply In PHCs

    Ekpenyong Advocates For Alternative And Sustainable Power Supply In PHCs

    By Simon Ushie

    Across the 36 states of the Country and the the Federal Capital Territory inclusive, Primary Healthcare Centres have remained the first point of call to citizens due to the absence of bureaucracy in gaining access to services and it’s availability in almost all Communities.

    With over 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centres across the country, and high profile case management procedures as a result of Covid-19, there is need for round the clock functionality to offer basic services to clients, hence the need for improved power supply in these facilities.

    With some of the most common services like management of Malaria , diarrhea, typhoid, HIV/Aids , Antenatal and Post Natal Services, Daily Immunization services offered, there is need for specimen preservation, vaccine potency maintenance as well as the illumination of structures to aid efficiency in service delivery.

    It was on this premise that the “Good Governance Team” in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency converged stakeholders in Abuja on a one day workshop and policy dialogue with the theme : Powering Primary Healthcare Centres In Nigeria” with emphasis on Solar Power supply as an alternative to the use of gasoline generator and it’s fossil emission.

    Panelists were drawn from different regions of the Country including , Dr Janet Ekpenyong ( Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency) representing the South South Region, Anambra ( South East), Gombe ( North East), Nasarrawa ( North Central), Zamfara (North West) to make demands for their regions as well as speak on common challenges faced by health workers in offering services as a result of poor and elliptical power supply in their regions.

    At the end of the workshop, some resolutions were met and it is expected that , states governments will
    1) Achieve buy-in and Increased commitment on #Solar4PHCs among target stakeholders at the national and subnational regions.

    2)There would be an increased awareness on the #Solar4PHCs campaign through amplification of voices, and how renewable energy can help strengthen the Nigerian Health system thereby improving the functionality of Primary Healthcare Centres in Nigeria.

  • Ekpenyong Joins South South Leaders for Covid19 Town Hall Meeting in Benin, Edo State

    Ekpenyong Joins South South Leaders for Covid19 Town Hall Meeting in Benin, Edo State

     

    As measures to hit herd immunization and achieve 100% coverage on Covid-19 Vaccination remains a priority, leaders from the South South region of Nigeria have converged in Benin, the Edo state Capital to seek ways of combating rumours, fears and misconception about the Covid19 Vaccines.

    The Town Hall Meeting which was organized by the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19 in collaboration with National Primary Healthcare Development Agency had representatives from all South South states share their experiences on strategies adopted in reaching out to the already vaccinated groups.

    It was also an avenue to galvanize support and buy-in from all stakeholders and key influencers including traditional, religious leaders, government, academia, private sector etc on the need to encourage people to get vaccinated while dispelling all rumors and myths surrounding the Covid-19 Vaccination.

    At the end of the event, everyone pledged their support to the ongoing Vaccination exercise in the country and called for Nigerians to embrace vaccines as it will help the nation achieve herd immunity.

    With Cross River State emerging top performer in the first round of the Nationwide vaccination exercise, the state has remained a reference point with it’s strategies of mass Mobilization, deliberate Sensitization and awareness creation to both private and public institutes, Religious groups being recommended to other states.

    Present at the meeting were the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong , the Honourable Minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Executive Director of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Chairman House Committee on health, Dr Yusuf Sununu, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Eteng Ubana and other first class traditional rulers from the zone, Executive Secretaries of state Primary Healthcare boards, WHO country rep W. Kazadi Mulombo and state reps including Mrs Chisom Emeka(CRS WHO coordinator), Cross River State Coordinator of NPHCDA Mr Julius Idoko and other key stakeholders across the zone.

  • Dr Ekpenyong Charges Students To Shun Drug Usage As We Mark World No Tobacco Day

    Dr Ekpenyong Charges Students To Shun Drug Usage As We Mark World No Tobacco Day

    By Simon Ushie

    For over 30 years, the world Health Organization and it’s member states have seek ways to curb the growing incidences of tobacco usage across the globe, employing best practices like sensitization on the dangers of its usage among the young and old.

    In an event to mark the “World no Tobacco” day celebration in calabar, the Cross River State Capital, teenagers and school children were the target, as the goal was to teach them early the devastation that awaits tobacco consumers.

    Speaking at Army Day Secondary School, Ikot Ansa Calabar, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency reminded the students that “You all have no business experimenting with drugs of any kind, be it tobacco, cannabis or hard drugs”.

    She said, drug is a killer of dreams, shortener of life and pathway to self destruction as she urged them to shun every wrong company that seek to introduce them to the use of tobacco.

    “I have never seen anyone who goes into drug and end up being something meaningful in life, the best you can do for yourself is to focus on your studies and be of good conduct in order to become productive in the future.

    The state Governor , Senator Ben Ayade has ensured that students get the best of healthcare as well as education, this should at least serve as a reminder that you all have a society that cares about you.

    She further enumerated various effects of tobacco consumption including cardiovascular disease, cancer as well as mental illnesses to them as she thanked the Calabar Cancer registry for collaborating with the Agency to raise awareness.

    Director of the Calabar Cancer Registry, Professor Ima-Obong Ekanem said the growing concern on tobacco use can be attributed to indiscriminate use of these products by perceived “role models” who have continually influenced young people negatively.

    She urged those who have already begun smoking to quite noting that “quitters are winners” as that will enhance their heart beat, immunity and brain cell formation as well as degeneration of cancer cells.

    Principal of the School, Mrs Emem Etim applauded the efforts of the organizers as she noted that the gesture will remain fresh in the minds of the students and assist them in making right choices as it concerns their health and social life.

    She promised to continually make ready opportunities for students where they will will learn more extra-curricular activities but essential for their growth and development.

    Some students who spoke thanked the school management and organizers of the event for the knowledge impacted upon them as they promised to remain good and law abiding citizens.

    Also in attendance was Special Adviser to the Governor on health, Dr David Ushie, representative of the Commissioner for Education , members of the military Community, staff and students of the Army Day Secondary School Ikot Ansa, Calabar Cancer Registry among others.

  • Ayade Committed To Actualizing An Open Defecation Free State – Ekpenyong

    Ayade Committed To Actualizing An Open Defecation Free State – Ekpenyong

    By Simon Ushie

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has disclosed that the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade is committed to achieving an Open Defecation Free State in the nearest possible time through the provision of basic infrastructures across the state.

    The DG made this known at the conference hall of the National Orientation Agency, Calabar, during the flag off ceremony of the one day sensitization and capacity building exercise for Community Mobilization Officers towards Achieving an open defecation free status.

    Dr Ekpenyong, pointed out that, achieving maximum results in areas related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene could drastically reduce cases like diahorea, cholera and other common diseases which accounts for more than half of clinical cases in health Facilities.

    Ekpenyong further stated that deliberate measures are being put in place by the state government in actualizing an open defecation free state which include, construction of toilets in rural Communities, sinking of boreholes, sensitization and awareness creation on the importance of maintaining good and personal hygiene.

    In her word “For us in the Primary Healthcare Agency, we are committed to achieving a healthy society and that is why we try to incorporate Water , Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) messages in our routine outreaches in Communities.
    The state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has shown commitment to end open defecation in both rural and urban Communities by sinking boreholes, improving on infrastructures as well as creating an enabling environment for WASH actions to be implemented.

    “We are keen to putting an end to open defecation because it results to more than half of all the clinical cases attended to in health facilities, that is why we urge people to always wash their hands with soap under running water, maintain personal and environmental hygiene”

    On his part, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, stated that all hands must be on deck to ensure that Nigeria obtain an Open Defecation Free Status by 2025 with aggressive sensitization.

    The DG was represented by the Cross River State Director, Mr Amissine Ogban, expressed displeasure with Cross River’s progress in getting more LGAs certified ODF after making history as the first state with an open defecation free Local Government Area in the country.

    “57 Local Government Areas in the Country have been certified Open defecation free with Cross River accounting for 6, a move which necessitated the launch of the “Operation Keep Nigeria Clean” campaign. Said he.

    He charged the Community Mobilization Officers to continue to raise awareness and teach residents the importance of actualizing an open Defecation free status.

    The representative of the Minister for water resources, reiterated the Minister’s commitment to support the state and the nation to achieve open Defecation free status.

    Other speakers include representative of UNICEF, amongst others.

    The six Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Cross River State include , Obanliku, Bekwarra, Boki, Yakurr, Ikom and Yala.

  • Unical COVID-19 Task Force Seeks Collaboration With C/River Primary Healthcare Dev. Agency As Keystone, First Bank Promises Support

    Unical COVID-19 Task Force Seeks Collaboration With C/River Primary Healthcare Dev. Agency As Keystone, First Bank Promises Support

    By Admin

    The University of Calabar COVID-19 Task Force Committee has sought the collaboration of the Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency in the control and management of the pandemic on campus as the University announces Feb. 5 for resumption of academic activities.

    Chairman of the Committee, Dr Kingsley Akaba, who paid a courtesy call on Dr Janet Ekpenyong, the Director General of the Agency in her office in Calabar, said the committee needed the support of the agency to effectively have a seamless academic session free from the pandemic.

    Akaba told the DG that her agency plays a critical role in healthcare delivery at the community level, hence Unical community would also need her support and collaboration.

    “COVID-19 has ravaged the world. We have lost almost one year academic year due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

    “We are here today to seek for collaboration and support because we want to have a seamless academic session as students prepare to resume school.

    “On our path, with the support of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, we have already set modalities in place that would help us to effectively implement the COVID-19 protocols on campus,” he said.

    Responding, Dr Ekpenyong who lamented the adverse effect COVID-19 had caused on the economy and educational sectors, expressed happiness that schools have resume in order to keep the students academically engaged.

    She told the Committee that the state has been very proactive in the fight against the pandemic through the enforcement of nose mask and ban on large gatherings.

    “For us as an agency, we are going to share our experience and template with the committee to serve as a guide towards helping in the implementation of the protocols on campus.

    “I want to advise the committee to set up a mini isolation centre on campus with a view to manage any suspected case that may be detected.

    “Also, you must do a lot of awareness and advocacy to continuously instill the preventive measures on students, staff and to the entire Unical community,” she said.

    The DG, assured the committee of the agency’s support and collaboration in all its activities, as well urged the committee to strengthen the university’s medical centre as students were expected to resume on Feb. 5.

    The Committee in its desire to sought for support from corporate organisations, also sought the audience of Keystone and First Bank respectively.

    Both banks promised to support the committee with relevant materials to enhance the implementation of their blueprint against the pandemic on campus.

  • Janet Ekpenyong Calls On Cross Riverians To Discard Misconception And Myth On Covid-19 Vaccines

    Janet Ekpenyong Calls On Cross Riverians To Discard Misconception And Myth On Covid-19 Vaccines

    By Simon Ushie

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on Cross Riverians to discard every form of misconception or myths on the Covid-19 Vaccines which is soon to be introduced in Nigeria even as she called on the Federal Government to expedite actions on the availability of the vaccines for all Nigerians.

    The DG made the assertion recently in an interview to Sensitize and create demand for the Covid-19 Vaccines which according to her is considered the most effective remedy to checkmate the spread of Covid-19 as well as it’s resultant morbidity and mortality.

    Dr Ekpenyong noted that “just like every other vaccines, the Covid19 Vaccines will help boost the immunity and fight against complications that may arise from contacts with infected persons even as the world awaits a permanent treatment and prophylaxis for the new strain of the avian influnza.

    “With Cross River State already ranked among top performing states on Immunization exercise across the country, the state and it’s people are assured of a viable and potent vaccines, which would meet all international requirements and certified by both the Nigerian Medical Association, National Agency for food, drugs Administration and control, Standard Organization of Nigeria and other monitoring and regulatory bodies”

    Ekpenyong called on the Federal Government to utilize all Federal mechanism to intensify information dissemination on the Covid-19 vaccines. She reiterated the need for states to also intensify Sensitization and awareness creation to help stop the spread of fake news and unverified myths against the vaccines.

    The DG called on Cross Riverians to embrace the vaccines and ensure to receive the vaccine when available, while appealing to rumour mongers to desist from spreading false rumour about the vaccines. She used the opportunity to call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, CSOs, CBOs and other key influencers to lend their voices and support the state Government to ensure Cross Riverians takes the vaccines when available to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

    With a total confirmed case of 108,943 people and 1420 deaths as at Saturday, January 16th 2020, the need to boost the immunity of Nigerians especially the elderly and others on essential duties cannot be over emphasized and this has necessitated the purchase of 100,000 vaccines for the first batch which is expected in the country between the end of January and Early February for the commencement of Immunization.

    Aside vaccination, the easiest means of preventing oneself from contracting the virus includes, regular hand wash, use of facemask, application of alcohol based hand sanitizer and well as the maintenance of social distancing.

  • 2020 World AIDS Day: C’River Commemorates Day With A Walk, Advocates Measures To Reduce Prevalence Rate

    2020 World AIDS Day: C’River Commemorates Day With A Walk, Advocates Measures To Reduce Prevalence Rate

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Government has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2020 world AIDS day with a walk and a call on citizens to take advantage of routine counselling, testing and Anti-retroviral use for those who are already infected to ensure that the state prevalence is less than that of national prevalence ratio Which is currently at 1.4%.

    Flagging off the exercise in Calabar, the Cross River State Deputy Governor Professor Ivara Esu said the state Government is committed to actualizing a reduction in new infectious rate through the development and adoption of policies which grant full access to Improved living and halt to new transmission.

    Professor Esu who commended the state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade and other stakeholders in the health sector for the low prevalence rate in the state, encouraged the team to build on the gains of recent successes and work towards improving on the indices through awareness creation and improved client’s services.

    Professor said the state is poised to ensuring that in less than no time there would be zero percent transmission of HIV/AIDs in Cross River State as the state has decentralized it’s response program through the setting up of Local Government and Community based response platform to meet the needs of Cross Riverians.

    Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu encouraged everyone to get tested as she noted that, “the state in collaboration with partners have introduced an oral test kit to minimize piercing which is another method of HIV/AIDs transmission”

    Speaking to newsmen after the completion of the 10 kilometers walk, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong urged Cross Riverians to ensure that they know their HIV/AIDs status

    Dr Ekpenyong said, a HIV/AIDS generation is possible if all hands are put on deck as well as supports for victims are offered, She urged pregnant women to always visit primary health care Facilities for antenatal care services in order to know their status and prevent mother to child transmission.

    On her part, the Director General of the Cross River State Agency for the control of AIDS, Dr Ansa Echeri admonished people to regularly present themselves for testing as she noted that HIV is not a death sentence but early detection can improve chances of a healthy lifestyle and building of resistance against other common diseases.

    HIV/AIDs can be transmitted from persons to persons through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of sharp objects like needles, razors, injections among others with blood transfusion being listed among the possible ways of infection.

    1. The event was witnessed by the speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Eteng Jones as well as the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Dr. Ekpo Bassey with partners and other stakeholders in attendance.
  • Obong of Calabar Lauds Ayade On Proactive Measures In The Health Sector, Endorses Immunization Services.

    Obong of Calabar Lauds Ayade On Proactive Measures In The Health Sector, Endorses Immunization Services.

    By Simon Ushie

    The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v has lauded the Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for his proactive nature and health intervention programs in the state as he gave his full Endorsement to the forth coming Meningitis vaccination exercise .

    The Obong made this known when the state social mobilization team led by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong paid him a courtesy visit in his palace to seek for his Endorsement on the forthcoming state wide Immunization service for meningitis slated for December 4th – 10th(plus 2 days).

    The Obong noted that raising a healthy society is of concern to everyone hence the need to regularly raise awareness on killer diseases which over the years have contributed to the rising indices of mortality.

    He therefore called on all parents especially mothers to present their children and wards for Immunization in designated health facilities in their Communities While also charging members of his advisory council to lend their voices before, during and even after the forth coming state wide vaccination to help obtain optimal result.

    “As far as health is concerned, it is of primay interest to our people and l’m happy that the state Government have taken the health sector seriously to keep our people healthy and to make sure that you have gone round the whole state to take care of our people.

    I’m happy that in this state, there is no full blown health concern that is because of your proactive nature. Today I want to lend my voice to make all parents especially mothers to take their children all out especially those between the ages of 1-5 years old so we can put an end to the scourge of meningitis in our state and country.

    The state Government has done everything possible to curb it and in two years from now, we must work to record 0% of vaccine preventable diseases in our state”.

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong thanked the Obong and the Royal fathers for their supports in the actualization of various health interventions in the state.

    Dr Ekpenyong noted that, through the pragmatic efforts of the Obong, the state was able to record improve indices and compliance in immunization services which helped in the elimination of Poliomyelitis in the state and the country at large.

    She therefore used the opportunity to reaffirm the His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade’s desire in improving the lives of Cross Riverians as she stated that no Community and child will be left unattended to in the forth coming exercise.

    The 2020 supplementary vaccination for meningitis is slated for December 4th-10th 2020(plus 2 days) across the 18 LGAs in the state with a targeted population of 800,000 children within the age bracket of 1-5 years .
    She encouraged caregivers to bring out their children as stated that Immunization is safe, free and Effective.

    Also in the team were the Secretary of the Primary Healthcare board, the State Social Mobilization Officer, Nsa Ekpenyong amongst others.

  • CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government has flagged off the training exercise for enumerators, who will go into the field for health facilities assessment, as the state gets ready to access the Basic Health Care Provision Funds BHCPF, aimed at capturing and enrolling 700,000 vulnerable persons across the 18 Local Government Areas, to access free quality health care services in the state.

    Flagging off the training exercise in Calabar the Cross River State Capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu urged participants to pay attention to the rules and guidelines surrounding enumerations, mapping and facility assessment.

    Dr. Edu said among other benefits, the scheme will help cushion the hardship faced by households when accessing Healthcare services.
    She further charged enumerators to be guided and perform their task with all sense of sincerity and a high level of integrity and said if proper information are not generated and laid down task accomplished, it could expose all Cross Riverians, irrespective of their social and political class to poor and ineffective healthcare supply.

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong applauded the facilitators of the exercise, as she encouraged the participants to tap from their wealth of experience and technical expertise to ensure that Cross River State achieve maximum results in its quest to achieving Universal Health Coverage Status.

    Dr Ekpenyong further applauded the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for his huge investment in the health sector which she said has helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality and strengthening the believe system among Community members to seek supports for their health challenges in Government owned facilities.

    On his part, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Goddy Iyala said his Agency is poised to support all Agencies of Government both within the state and outside the state to ensure that success is achieved.

    He further called on transparency in obtaining data from relevant bodies which will aid planning and implementation as he said the Cross River State Health Insurance is one of the pioneer Agencies in the country to start enrollment and as such a reliable gateway to obtaining results.

    Facilitators from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme applauded the State Government for prioritizing healthcare for it’s citizens as well as setting the template for other states to follow.

    Participants include Monitoring and Evaluation Officers drawn from the state Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Agency and the State Health Insurance Scheme are expected to be taught various methods of Facility rating using the Open Data Kit (ODK) to ascertain the quality of services being offered in each facility both in terms of client’s convenience, number of staff as well as a step down training for ward and Community leaders.

    The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund was borne out of the 2015 National Health Council meeting which stipulates that 1% of the Nation’s consolidated revenue should be earmarked to boost Healthcare services in states across the country.

    The program is aimed at providing succor to the Vulnerable including the Aged, Pregnant Women and children under the age of 5, poor Households and low income earners with the sole target of all states contributing to Nigeria attaining the universal Health Coverage Status.

    With the Government of Senator Ben Ayade meeting all the criteria for accessing the said funds, through the payment of counterpart funds and building standard health facilities, the training of enumerators and capacity building could just be the icing on the cake for the state to join other states in benefiting from the reserved funds which will not only help remodel some of our health facilities but as well help in drugs stocking and the hiring of health workers to meet the growing population.