Upsurge in the influx of Cameroonian refugees to some LGAs in Cross River State has continued to be of great concern to both government and donor partners. Sequel to this, the International Committee of the Red Cross has signed a memorandum of Understanding with Cross River State government to renovate and equip 6 primary Health Care Centers at the border areas in Akampa LGA. This aims at improving healthcare service delivery in selected PHC facilities of border communities in Akampka LGA.
Signing the MoU, the Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr Inyang Asibong ably represented by the Permanent Sec SMOH thanked the ICRC for their support to the state.
Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu who also signed unbehalf of the primary Health care agency directly involved in the work, thanked ICRC for their supportive roles to healthcare delivery in the state, especially now some of the facilities are being overstretched due to influx of refugees.
According to her, the choice of Akamkpa was very critical as it plays host to a good number of refugees from Cameroon. She reiterated that the state government under the leadership of Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade has continue to improve the health being of Cross riverians as well as extending his magnanimity to refugees spread across 6 LGAs of the state.
Dr. Betta Edu noted that the support that will come from ICRC would go a long way ameliorating some of the health challenges in selected PHC facilities of Akamkpa LGA not only for refugees but for residents of the area as all services will be free and more health workers will be paid extra stipend beyond their salaries to stay there and offer servives. Speaking further, she assures the delegation of ICRC of the Agency's' maximum support in monitoring and supervision of activities by discussing findings in order to solve problems and improve the quality of services.
"we would work with you to ensure that the aims of this memorandum of understanding is achieved by ensuring proper use, maintenance and storage of medical equipment (including those provided by the ICRC)"
Earlier speaking, the Health head of ICRC, Dr. Carol Kabiru said Old Ndebeji and Nyaje PHC facilities have been selected with four other primary (Akor, PHC Ekang, Mfameyin, etc) health posts in Akamkpa for intervention by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
According to her, the MoU, shows their intent to support facilities with provision of basic curative care, antenatal care, safe clean deliveries, postnatal care and family planning services, growth monitoring, nutrition amongst others.
Dr. Carol said ICRC shall support selected PHC facilities with supply of drugs and medical supplies on a monthly basis and recruitment of personnel comprising of CHEWS, Nurse midwives 12 Environmental Health Officers, 15 Cleaners and Guards to run activities in selected PHC facilities. We will also upgrade the PHCs to international standards. She said services have already begun as drugs and equipment have arrived.
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