By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Five malnourished children diagnosed with ‘marasmus’ disease, caused by malnutrition, in remote villages of Cross River State, are to access medical care under the AyadeCare Insurance Scheme, floated by the Cross River State at no fee.
The state Commissioner for Health and Chairman COVID-19 Tasksforce/ Response Team, Dr. Betta Edu, disclosed this when she led a team of medical experts to the hinterland for awareness campaign against malnutrition.
Describing ‘maramus’ disease as an ailment caused by low intake of nutrients and energy, thereby resulting in the loss of weight, fat and muscles by the victim, Edu urged parents in the country to strive at all cost to ensure that they feed their newborn with balanced diet.
She said that the malnourished children, Shedrack, Joseph, Isaac and other two, who were suffering from Kwashiorkor have been taken to the General Hospital, Calabar, for prompt attention without any charge; with their mothers to be provided with sustainable businesses.
Edu reiterated that the businesses would help the mothers to the malnourished children feed their children properly after treatment at the General Hospital.
She said, “As a government we’ll not allow our children to die as a result of malnutrition; so the search for this precious ones continues.”
One of the mothers of the children, Mrs. Imabong Sunday, who spoke on behalf of others, said that they are all unemployed mothers, even as she lauded the state governor Prof Ayade and the Health Commissioner, Dr Edu for coming to their rescue as all hope was lost.
Imaobong called on the Federal Government and development partners to support the state with more useful health interventions and basic resources targeted at these health challenges in communities, especially as the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown is beginning to tell on the people and a lot of persons need help.
The commissioner supported all families with bags of rice, toiletries and cash donations as the search continues.
