Chief Sam Onuigbo, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency of Abia, on Tuesday, commenced a five-day seminar for his constituents on Coronalvirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The seminar which was held in Umuahia, was in collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia.
Declaring the programme open, Onuigbo, who was represented by his liaison officer, Mr Abraham Osondu, said the COVID-19 health challenges were very close to his heart.
Onuigbo, who is the Deputy Chairman of, Ad-hoc Committee on COVID-19, at the House of Representatives, said there was still no effective cure for COVID-19.
“Consequently, we must remain resolute in our efforts to hedge this killer disease,” he said.
He decried the low patronage of COVID-19 vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa when compared to the USA and the European nations.
“It compelled us to regularly run training of this kind to sensitise and strategise in order to mitigate against the devastating health and economic effects of COVID-19,” he said.
In a brief remark, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike, the Medical Director, FMC, Umuahia, assured the participants that they would be taught all they needed to know about the COVID-19 by a team of experts.
Azubuike, who lauded Onuigbo for facilitating the training, urged the participants to avail themselves of the opportunity.
The participants were sensitised on signs and symptoms of COVID-19, as well as the precautionary measures against it, including handwashing hygiene.
The resource persons urged the participants to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while telling them to disregard the negative rumour being peddled against the exercise.
The participants also had free screenings against COVID-19, HIV, high blood pressure and others.
A participant, Mr Goodluck Onyebuchi, thanked the organisers, saying “I learnt a new thing today, which is how to wash my hands properly in order to avoid the Coronavirus pathogen.” (NAN)
