By Chukwudi Nwauba :
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has applauded the Association of Public Health Nurses contributions in the healthcare sector of the state.
Dr. Obidike assured them that the State Ministry of Health would continue to collaborate with them in disease prevention across the state while informing them that the administration of Gov. Charles Soludo is committed to the prevention of diseases.
The commissioner said this when the National Association of Public Health Nurses paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
He noted that Public health nurses comprise the largest professional segment of the workplace in public health and are involved in the prevention, education and advocacy.
“You people hold a vital role in the prevention of disease, as well help to promote community health and safety.
“I want to inform you that our governor recently employed no fewer than 300 medical personnel with 135 nurses inclusive.
“We thank you all for your tireless effort in disease prevention, care and our government is committed to improve health in the state.’’
The National Chairman Public Health Nurses Association in Nigeria, Dr. Hajiah Addakano Umar, said that their visit was to seek for his support and collaboration in health related issues across the state.
Dr. Umar thanked the governor for employing nurses, other medical personnel in the health sector of the state.
“We hope that through your good office our Public Health Nurses will as well be recognized in the private sector since we are the preventive nurses.’’
Dr. Ifeyinwa Ilo, State Chairman of the association, explained that Public Health Nurses are the nurses after training as a nurse, obtaining masters degree or Higher National Diploma in public health nursing.
Dr. Ilo, an Associate Professor of Nursing at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital said that their function is at the primary care level describing their logo family as a unit.
“So, we take family as a unit of care and care that cares for the mother, father and the children by preventing illness before they come.’’
She described the commissioner as a friendly nurse commissioner and assured him that the association will continue to work with him.
“The commissioner is so humble, very hardworking and knows what he is doing and we thank the governor for appointing him.’’
In attendance during the visit include, State Director Nursing, Mrs Perpetua Anaene, Mrs Chinyere Ifeanyi, National Treasurer, Mrs Iyaye Aseminaso, National Secretary and Mrs Vera Usigbe.
