AMUZI, A RURAL AFRICAN COMMUNITY, RECEIVES COMPREHENSIVE COVID-19 PREVENTION EDUCATION AND SUPPORT – Imo State Nigeria, June 29, 2020: The Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi (PCA), a nongovernmental organization based in Amuzi, Ahiazu-Mbaise of Imo State, recently concluded a comprehensive COVID-19 Prevention Awareness program, in the ten villages of Amuzi, in partnership with local physicians, nurses and the West African College of Nursing (WACN). The WACN, is a specialized agency of the West African Health Organization (WAHO) – an International Health Organization with headquarters in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Fasothe. During each stop at the ten villages, where an average of 500 people attended per village, the healthcare team led by, the Chairman of the PCA Health committee and President Imo State Chapter of WACN, Mrs Catherine Otuibe delivered practical resources to enable a rural community against COVID-19. The villages were educated on the standard COVID-19 prevention tips, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).
These include washing of hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a public place, or after blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing, and where soap not available to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol covering all hands surfaces then rub together until they feel dry. They were also instructed to avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and being in close contact with people who are at risk-the sick and the elderly, even inside same home. Social distancing was demonstrated, reinforced and mandated when in public, as well as the use of face masks. They were also taught how to care of the face mask.
The need to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks, was emphasized.
Other COVID-19 health tips shared included seeking medical attention on experiencing fever, cough, headache, and or shortness of breath, eating healthy and regular exercises to boost the immune system. Young Children who attended the program all received food palliatives.
The healthcare personnel who contributed to this 5 day program include, Dr Chinemerem Onwuliri- lead for the COVID-19 NCDC Rapid Response Team to Imo State, Mrs Catherine Otuibe- Chairman PCA Healthcare Committee and President WACN, Dr Patricia Ihenacho, Mrs Comfort Iwu Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, The West African College of Nursing, Imo State branch, Mrs Ndugbu Florence, Mrs Egbujo Helen, Mrs Elizabeth Ogu, Mrs Iwunna Pauline, Mrs Emeribe Anthonia, Mrs Maritha Onyegbule, and Mrs Ngozi Abara.As part of the program, every member of the community at risk of exposure to COVID 19 was offered an Ozondu, a brand of locally made face mask free of charge. To further ensure prevention measures compliance each of the ten villages and about thirty five kindreds were also given a tap-fitted water container, soaps and hand sanitizers for their meeting houses, to ensure proper hygiene at all times.
According to the convener of PCA Professor Eddie Oparaoji, “the 5 days program was very informative, engaging and productive. It was a best-in-class sensitization program where participants got the opportunity to hear authentic instructions from seasoned healthcare professionals, watched the demonstrations, participated in the demonstrations, and went home with material resources to ensure they remained compliant with COVID-19 prevention recommendations. I want to on behalf of the PCA commend all our health educators for their dedication and diligence,, and our people for their very enthusiastic reception of the program.”
The Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi (PCA) Organization was established to work alongside other progressive Organizations or entities to move Amuzi and Amuzians into the global community. It is envisioned that the PCA would reignite dialogue, strengthen and re-energize the name Uhi Amuzi- to mean togetherness, and be a rallying platform to harness all Amuzi resources across the world, and make her an appealing global economic space.
Click link below to PCA history making covid 19 Ozondu initiative Photo Album.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16ybhCNGlQxWFBDKUcxStptfw6h4ruu1B?usp=sharing
Patriotic Citizens of Amuzi 