Doctor Explains Home-Based Scheme

The Home-Based Care programme launched last week by the
Rivers State Government is meant to meet the Millennium Development Goals 4 and
5, the executive secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management
Board, Dr Claribel Abam has said.

Dr Abam, who was speaking at the launching of the programme
at Oyigbo noted that the programme which was initiated by the present
administration was aimed at delivering healthcare to the door-steps of Rivers
people.

She noted that the Home-Based Care programme will help
prevent diseases, provide information and reduce the rate of women dying during
child-birth and other fatality.

Dr Abam explained that the programme which is the first in
Nigeria would provide information to the people about health care and as well
as information that would help them stay healthy.

According to her, there are many who do not appreciate the
important of going to the health centres, not only going for the treatment of
sickness, but information that will help them stay healthy.”

“Our workers who have been trained will be going from
house-to-house to educate people and encourage pregnant women to attend
antenatal. They will as well encourage parents to immunise their children who
have not done so”, she said.

The Executive Secretary explained further that the programme
which commenced as a pilot scheme in Oyigbo, Ahoada West and Etche Local
Government Areas will later be extended to other local government areas in
Rivers State.

Dr Abam, however, said the three local government areas were
mapped out as the pilot for the programme were choosen because women in these
areas hardly make use of the health centres and facilities provided by the
government.