OTUKPO . . . . . THE TEXAS TALE 2. . . . . .

QUICK MEDICAL CONSULT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR PEACE LOVE & CARE (GIPLC)ON BEHALF OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT, MOST DISTINGUISHED DAVID A.B. MARK GCON,ON A PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN TO DE-WORM CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE (FREE OF CHARGE) WITHIN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT. 21th-26^th July 2011.

Once again, a “phone in” programme was broadcast from Joy FM 96.5 to sensitize and create more awareness across the zone, the state and beyond. A jingle continued for the rest of the day to inform the public of the LGAs to be visited on the 23^rd july 2011, namely, Otukpo, Obi  & Oju LGAs, respectively and the particular communities/villages. Thereafter, the first port of call was Utonkon, Ado LGA, on the 22^nd July 2011.

With reference to the last mission, we ran out of drugs at Utonkon. Upon our return on the 22^nd July to the same community, at the LGEA (Local Government Education Authority) primary school, we successfully completed the exercise with an additional 1,300 children, totalling 1,877( we could only administer to 577 on the last mission before we ran out of drugs). As noted in the prior mission, a highly contagious fungal infection that is widespread within the zone was given marginal attention, due to the larger response i.e. application of medication (Ketaconazole cream) and distribution to infected children’s’ parents/guardians for continuous use. In addition, over 100 OVC were identified and their bio-data recorded for proper growth monitoring and further intervention.

At Akpegede village, Otukpo LGA, 263 were de-wormed and 30 orphans were identified, on the 23^rd of July 2011. Fungal infections were also treated and follow up drugs provided. The dental care once again, is very poor and leaning towards critical conditions. A campaign for proper dental care and hygiene should be in the works, sooner than later, due to the current situation. 

Later on, same day, we arrived Obarike community, Obi L.G.A, where 2449 children were administered with the anti-worm medicine, in addition to treatment of the sadly reoccurring fungal infection and a few cases of ring worm. Up to 55 OVC ( Orphaned & Vulnerable Children) were identified. A gracious volunteer, Mr Emmanuel Obi, was very supportive and generous to the team within the council ward. The Chief of Obarike council ward extended the generosity further, by offering us accommodation and every courtesy, asking that we stay behind for one more day, so more children from the hinterland could access the medication. Sadly, we had to decline but promised to be back.

Further down the bad road with scenic views, on the same day, we got to Onyike Ekpengbe Junction (town central) Oju LGA., where the mission didn’t get a really good turnout, for the first time, with only 187 children receiving the medication against parasitic worms. At this point, we were joined by a volunteer from otukpo, Miss Catherine Mark, who eagerly participated in the activities. However, it was a bit hectic trying to identify the OVC, as the community came across as rather uninterested in that issue.

On Sunday, 24^th of July, after noon, we headed out to Otukpa Olachagbaha community, Ogbadibo L.G.A, where up to 1,467 children turned out for the medication. It was observed that the dental hygiene issues, especially among children, have reached epic proportions. The situation is truly worrying. So bad that the team had to raise funds, from within, so a particular little girl, in excruciating pain, could have her totally destroyed tooth pulled out, the next day at Otukpo. We received a call the day after from her mother, to assure the team that she had been treated and is fine. We couldn’t identify the OVC in the community, due to inadequate local resources.

A long bumpy ride got us to Obagaji, Agatu LGA, L.E.A  UBE school, where 2,836 kids received medication. There was a bit of politically induced resistance but the community & social mobilisation/communications officers of the team adequately handled the situation. Only 2 (two) 2nos OVC identified in the school. A high number of dental issues but very few fungal or ringworm diseases.

 At Ugbokpo, Apa L.G.A, the team pitched tent at the LGEA School, where 505 children from within the community were administered with the worm expeller. There were widespread fungal diseases and a few ringworm issues, while 21nos OVC were identified.  The community acceptance to the programme and gratitude to the initiator was phenomenal.

On the day of our departure, 26^th July, 2011, we visited  Amufu Edumoga village, Okpokwu L.G.A and attended to a number of fungal diseases and de-wormed 332 on the spot and further donated another 640 doses to the community primary healthcare centre, to be administered, free of charge, under close supervision & monitoring, by selected, reputable community members.

§  Total number of children De-wormed- 10,556 children

§  Total number of OVC Identified- 467

§  Total Number of Fungal cases treated- 784

§  Total number of Dental cases examined and treated- 1

Reported By: Dr Ojia Adamolekun

For: Quick Medical Consult Ltd.


Special thanks to Senator Hope Uzodinma for all his support and encouragements.