COVID-19 : Experts charge community volunteers to embark on rural sensitization

Community Health Volunteers in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been charged to embark on rural advocacy to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. Health Experts gave the charge during a sensitization for community volunteers in the area.

The Community Health Volunteers numbering about 200, were drawn from the twenty political wards in Awka South Local Government Area. The sensitization explored the importance of utilizing such volunteers to teach the rural population and create awareness on strategies available to promote the prevention of community transmission of COVID-19.

Head of Department, Primary Healthcare in Awka South Health Authority, Doctor Frank Umeh, urged the volunteers to educate the people on personal hygiene to guard against contracting coronavirus.

The Disease Surveillance Notification Officer in Awka South, Mrs Philomina Ndefo said the programme was aimed at offering the volunteers, the capacity to educate people at the grassroots on how to prevent COVID-19.

Mrs Ndefo charged the volunteers to focus on sensitizing the people on the need to observe standard protocols, to avoid spreading the virus. A Volunteer from Amawbia ward 2, Mrs Gladys Edi, expressed happiness that the sensitization would help her reach out to the grassroots effectively.

The Chairman, Ward Development Committee in Awka ward 6, Amikwo, Comrade Charles Nworah noted that the practical session would provide the platform to battle the spread of COVID-19 to communities.

The programme featured demonstration of appropriate hand washing and greeting methods.

NDU NWANNAH