Group Deworms 5,000 Children, Distributes 400 Mosquito Nets

As part of efforts to check the trend of malaria in the state, the Trans-Amadi branch of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) has distributed over 400 Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINS) to pregnant women and lactating mothers in the state.

In addition, the group also carried out mass deworming exercise for school children in the area.

Speaking during the distribution of the nets, the Chairman, Bed Net  Committee of JCI, Mr. Belema Jaja, stated that the malaria awareness campaign and the mass deworming exercise carried out in the area is part of the organisation’s effort to join hands with the Rivers State government to celebrate World Malaria Day.

According to him, malaria kills a child every 30 seconds, saying that “it is preventable and treatable with the use of anti-malaria drugs and LLINS, if it is used consistently and correctly”.

He used the medium to appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for what he called his giant strides in improving the health care delivery system in the state.

Also speaking, the president of JCI Trans-Amadi, Mrs. Orji Lovelyn Chikodi said the malaria awareness campaign/distribution of nets will go a long way in sensitising members of the community on the use of LLINS.

She further stated that in 2008, over 250 persons benefited from the exercise, while in 2009, over 300 persons were also provided with LLINS to prevent malaria by the organisation.

She stated that the primary objective of JCI is to improve the leadership skills of young people to make a positive change in the society.

On his part, the Vice President of JCI, Nigeria, Mr. Felix Akubuenyi, said that the organisation, which was established in 1914 worldwide at St Louis Missouri, USA, came to Nigeria in 1957.

The overall objective, according to Akubuenyi is geared towards developing the skills and knowledge of young, active citizens to create a positive change in the society.

“We empower youths by carrying out training programmes, business development activities as well as providing management, individual and community opportunities for youths in the area”, he said.  

Sogbeba Dokubo