RSG, MSF Partner On Improved Healthcare

The Rivers State Government and Medecines Sans Frontieres (MSF), otherwise called Doctors Without Borders, have restated their commitment to a strategic partnership that would strengthen the primary healthcare sector in the state with the aim of reducing the negative impact of persistent high sexual violence recorded among the people, especially on minor-girl children.
They made the commitment at the official opening, sensitisation and stakeholders meeting at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Eliozu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, designed to address issues threatening available, accessible and affordable quality healthcare delivery.
The Tide learnt that the centre will focus on how to respond swiftly to the needs of victims of sexual violence and other emergency health related issues.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Harry Agiri, said the partnership shows that the state government has continued to give top priority to primary healthcare development in the state.
Represented by the Director, Medical Services, Dr Elkanem Nyarawo, the permanent secretary stated that the siting of MSF Clinic in Eliozu was not a coincidence, but necessitated by the high successes recorded so far by MSF, Orogbum Centre, adding that 60 per cent of its clients at the centre were from Obio/Akpor.
Agiri stated that the more people are able to access the primary healthcare, the better, stressing that the government was ready, more than ever before, to increase its synergy with stakeholders to extend its intervention to all residents.
Speaking, Medical Officer of Health, Obio/Akpor, Dr Amadi Stanley, called for functional MSF integrated healthcare centres in all the 23 LGAs of the state, adding that the MSF centres at Eliozu and Orogbum were not enough to take care of high level of sexual violence in the state.
In an interview with The Tide, Resident Doctor, Dr Flag Amachree, said the clinic officially commenced operations August 7, 2017, adding that so far, only two rape cases have been recorded.
She noted that rape cases in the area were very high, adding that Eliozu, Rumunduru, Rumuewara and Elimgbu would benefit from the facility.
The Outreach Manager, MSF AnnMarie Crosse said, it was important for the state and MSF to collaborate towards ensuring the sustained functioning of the healthcare centres in the state.
Earlier, MSF Medical Team Leader in Port Harcourt, Claire Guinot, had complained that MSF centre at Orogbum has recorded 1,300 cases of sexual violence in less than two years, and 60 per cent of victims were girl-children.
Guinot also listed the core aims of the MSF project to include, medical management and physical examination of survivors, treating of minor injuries, HIV prophylaxis, emergency contraception and vaccination as well as psychological and social support to victims of sexual violence.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana