Lady Obioma Liyel Imoke
From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
The Wife of Cross River Governor, Mrs Obioma Imoke has called on stakeholders to join hands in sensitising the public on the dangers of pneumonia. Mrs Imoke said this on Tuesday in Calabar, at a sensitisation and advocacy rally organised by a Non Governmental Organisation, Breath of Life, to mark this year’s World Pneumonia Day.
She said: “Pneumonia is a silent killer. It is the number one killer of children in the World. We appeal to religious leaders, spiritual fathers, opinion leaders, youth organisations and faith-based organisations to sensitise the public on the dangers of pneumonia so that our children will stay alive.”
The State First Lady frowned at the attitude of some religious leaders who prohibit their members from taking orthodox medication, describing it as unchristian and an “act of wickedness.”
She stressed the need for people to eat enough vegetables and fruits rather than feeding on starchy foods, adding that pneumonia was no respecter of any one irrespective of class. Imoke, urged women in the state to avail themselves of the facilities provided by the State Government to prevent the scourge.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, said that the state government was doing everything possible to provide affordable healthcare facilities closer to the people. Oyo-Ita said that Gov. Liyel Imoke was very passionate about child killer diseases, adding that was why he took special interest in immunisation of children against killer diseases. She commended the first lady for her initiative and called for more support to enable her succeed in the prevention and eradication of pneumonia in the state.
The Director, Breath of Life, Dr Regina Nwadialo, said that the NGO was set up in 2010 in support of Mrs Imoke’s effort at ensuring the eradication of pneumonia. Nwadialo said that the organisation had been involved in the advocacy and sensitisation for the eradication of pneumonia with the active collaboration of some stakeholders.
Some partners including the State branch of Pharmaceutical Federation of Nigeria and Pfizers donated items in support of the programme. Imoke also gave out Mosquito Treated Insecticide Nets to children while free medical care was administered on members of the public.
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