By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated committees to tackle cases of rising antimicrobial resistance and also to prevent blindness among citizens.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, while inaugurating members of the Infection Prevention and Control/ Antimicrobial Resistance Technical Working Group and the Rivers State Eye Health Committee said the action represent the government’s effort in strengthening public health systems.
She said recent cases of Lassa Fever outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary for the government to take proactive actions.
She said beyond protecting healthcare workers and patients, effective IPC are critical for creating public confidence in the states health facilities, adding that the growing threat of Anti-Microbial Resistance continues to undermine the effectiveness of life-saving globally.
Oreh also blamed the increasing cases of drugs resistance on inappropriate application of antibiotics by humans, animals and in agriculture.
She also noted that over eighty percent of causes of blindness are preventable and as such there is need for awareness for the citizens on preventive measures.
“This inauguration represents a significant step forward in our collective effort to strengthen the state’s public health system and ensure patients safety across all levels care.
” I urge you to work collaboratively and dillgently. The success of this TWG will depend squarely on your commitment, coordination and continuous engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
“Let your work translate into measurable improvement in infection control practices and reduce antimicrobial use in Rivers State, ” she said.
The health commissioner assured that the Rivers State Ministry of Health remains highly committed in giving the necessary support and policy backing to ensure that the efforts of the committee are sustained and impactful.
For the Eye Health Committee, Oreh spelt out their duties to include; providing technical guidance, coordination and advocacy for comprehensive eye health services across Rivers State.
She urged the committee to focus on “developing and implementing strategies that will strengthen eye-health data collection and reporting within the integrated disease surveillance and prevention framework, enhance access to preventive, curative and rehabilitative eye care at primary and secondary health levels, foster collaboration with professional organizations, partner with communities and promote public awareness on eye health, early detection and timely care-seeking behavior”.
