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Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Delta information Commissioner.

By Oghogho Emakporuena

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has advocated collaborative effort for healthier living among residents in the state.

Mr Aniagwu made the call today in Asaba during a courtesy on him by the management of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA).

The commissioner stated that collaboration with the health sector in sensitization and awareness creation on health issues was crucial in the realization of the Stronger Delta agenda of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration.

While saying that the target of achieving healthy Delta residents was paramount in attaining a Stronger Delta, he harped on practical approach to curbing the spread of diseases in the state.

The commissioner, who was speaking on the outbreak of yellow fever in some communities in Ika North East Local Government Area, said that such efforts should not necessarily have telling effects on the farming and everyday life of the people but one that the residents could identify and comply with.

Aniagwu commended the management of DSPHCDA for its proactive steps in identifying the cause of the deaths of resident in the affected areas of Ute Okpu, Ute-Erumu and Idumuesa and the planned immunization of Deltans against yellow fever and polio.

He pledged to assist in the sensitisation efforts of reaching out to the people through the utilization of state-owned media outfit, even as he called for a strategic means of reducing the level of superstition among the people.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the DSPHCDA Dr Jude Winful-Orieke, explained that yellow fever was transmitted by monkeys and female mosquitos in the bush to humans and advised that prevention could be made by a reduced movement to the farm and keeping a healthy environment, netting of windows and wearing protective clothing.

Dr Orieke appealed to the Ministry of Information to help in the sensitisation of the public on prevention of yellow fever and also to advertise openings for Indigenous Adhoc Health Care Providers to assist in the management and sensitisation of the people.

He said that a survey was ongoing to know the exact number of infected persons as well as enlighten the people on prevention.

He disclosed that other program such as the immunization against polio infection was also ongoing and should be made public to parents and care givers.