COVID-19: ANSG inaugurates Disability community response team

By Ihesiulo Grace

17 May 2020

Anambra State government has inaugurated Disability Community COVID-19 Response Team.

The inauguration which took place at Dora Akuyili Women Development CentrE, Awka, marked the state as the first state in South East to inaugurate such committee.

The Committee has Steering committee with six other sub committees which include Information and Communication Committee, Medical Outreach and Rehabilitation Committee.

Others include Palliative and Welfare Committee, Fund Raiding Committee, Contact and Mobilisation Committee and Security and Statistics Committee.

Inaugurating the team, Governor Willie Obiano assured them that their welfare and safety had being part of his obsession.

Governor Obiano, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, charged the team to work harmoniously in line with the stipulated terms of reference.

Some of the terms or reference include to adapt and implement for the disability community, all directives from the state COVID-19 Action Committee, receive information from the State’s COVID-19 Action Committee and publicize same at the disability cluster level.

Other references include to educate all and sundry within the community on the world standard, disability exclusive precautionary measures, symptoms of COVID-19 and other directives from the state government on curbing the spread of coronavirus; To identify and maintain a database of all the relevant stakeholders within the community among others.

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Dr. Ibezim revealed that Governor Obiano being the first to identify with People Living with Disabilities had appointed many persons with Disabilities into various political positions.

“This is the time to educate and communicate with our neighbours, to ensure they heed to COVID-19 protocols and as well, report any suspected index case.

“Aside normal display of COVID-19 symptoms, other symptoms discovered recently include muscle weakness, and loss of hapitite among others.

“The relaxation of the lockdwn measures and the resumption of work should by no means be interpreted as battle over with coronavirus. The fight against this pandemic will be intensified with the recommended measures, keeping in mind the economic and social well-being of Ndi Anambra,” Dr Ibezim stated.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Disability Matters, Barr Chukwuka Ezewuzie, urged them to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols and limit the number of their guidian to avoid spread of the virus.

Ezewuzie commended Gov Obiano for identifying with them and giving them a pride of place in his government.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Mr. Daniel Ezeanwu and the Senior Special Assistant on Power and Utility, Engr Victor Umeju also commended the Governor’s wife, Eberechukwu Obiano, for lofty policies and measures geared towards improving the living standard of persons with Disabilities.