The walk from the barracks, as monitored by
NaijaAgroNet, took them to all
the corners of the living quarters and outside the barracks. The more than two-hour
walk culminated in a talk by Captain Nkem Aneke who also facilitated the event.
Addressing army personnel and traders on
the symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Captain Aneke enjoined
them to always report any suspicious case to medical personnel even as she
urged families not to hide their relatives who are infected.
She emphasized the need for people to
ensure they wash their hands always, the Nigerian Army officer debunked claims
that using salt and warm water will go a long way to cure or prevent the deadly
diseases if contacted.
“Ebola Virus Disease cannot be contacted
through air. It kills the body’s immune system.
It can be contacted through shaking, sleeping with a person who is
infected and coming in contact with any of the victim’s fluid be it sweat,
blood or sweat and spit. It does not last up to one month in the body before
the victim dies. So, when you notice
anybody who has some symptoms that look like symptoms of Ebola disease who does
not want to seek medical attention, inform medical personnel. Restrict the way
you touch people. Handle money carefully. Avoid eating bush meat and restrict
the way you socialise. Use sanitizers to clean your hands always thoroughly,”
she advised.
Some of the traders, who spoke to NaijaAgroNet, commended the campaign,
saying it should be a continuous process to keep the topic fresh in the minds
of residents and traders in and around the barracks.
President General, Mammy Market Traders also
known as Baba Magajia, 56 Signal Barracks, Mile 2, Mr Samuel Albert told NaijaAgroNet that the campaign is
not only timely but coming at a time many people have little or no information
on the disease.
“I am highly impressed and I know this
seminar will help everybody in many ways. If it is possible to be doing it
periodically, it will be in our own interest. When you talk of about Federal
Government (FG), you know they are trying. But it may not reach the grassroots
and that is why this authority, organised this seminar,” he applauded.
For the Magajia, Mrs Augustina Ohimite said
the seminar was a welcome development, adding that the drama and the talk have deepened
their understanding of the deadly disease.
While commending the facilitator and
organisers of the campaign, Assistant Magajia Mrs Comfort Alufa noted that what
she learnt during the seminar will go a long way to understand how to prevent
contacting the virus apart from sharing the information with other people.
Highlights of the campaign include a road
walk, drama presentation, demonstration on how to wash the hands thoroughly and
distribution of drugs and glucose by the staff of the medical unit.
Chukwudi Obi/ED Ops
... Linking agrobiz, people & technology1. Nigerian Army 56 Signal Barracks walking against Ebola virus
2. Captain Nkem Aneke with one of her colleagues
3. Special address during the exercise by a participant.
