UMUOKANNE COMMUNITY IN IMO STATE CALL FOR GOVT PRESENCE IN THE AREA

The people of Umuokanne Community in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have decried lack of access to quality health care and social amenities in the area.

The Traditional ruler of the community, Eze Mathew Nwokeoma expressed the concern when officials of the National Orientation Agency and UNICEF visited the area for a health sensitization.

Umuokanne ancient kingdom is one of the most peaceful and accommodating communities in the oil bearing Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area.

Apart from water scheme built in the area by UNICEF about thirty years ago, the people cannot boast of any intervention from Government or donor agency.

The Traditional ruler of the community, Eze Nwokeoma said the people who were predominantly farmers lacked access to health care and other necessary infrastructure to discourage the people from migrating to urban areas.

Eze Nwokeoma thanked the National Orientation Agency for sensitizing his people to essential family practices but appealed to donor agencies and Governments at all levels to consider the community in their developmental efforts.

A community health worker, Mrs. Helen Igbokwe lamented lack of personnel to take care of their health needs.

She called for more sensitization to enable the people to embrace family planning measures, to check the increasing birth rate in the community and to encourage immunization of babies.

The State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Vitus Ekeocha expressed worry over the high prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Imo State and called for safety measures to reduce the scourge.

Earlier, a Director in the State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Margaret Ayoka appealed to women to practice exclusive breastfeeding, regular hand washing and routine immunization while pregnant ones should attend antenatal care to reduce premature deaths.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU