The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has charged trainees engaged in the state’s School-Based Deworming Programme to demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and commitment in the collective effort to eliminate worm infections among school-aged children by World Health Organization's 2030 deadline.
Speaking while declaring open a 2-day train the trainees refresher session for health workers and programme facilitators, in Calabar, Governor Otu who spoke through the State Director, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Pastor Veronica Mark Onen, emphasized the importance of the initiative in safeguarding the health and future of children across the state.
He noted that worm infections remain a significant public health concern, affecting children’s growth, cognitive development, and academic performance.
Pastor Veronica who also stood as the representative of the Commissioner for Health, Elder Egbe AyuK, described the deworming exercise as a critical intervention under his administration’s people-centered health agenda.
He urged participants to approach the assignment with seriousness and integrity, ensuring that every eligible child in public and private primary schools across the State benefits from the programme.
“Our children deserve a healthy start in life. This deworming campaign is not just a routine exercise; it is a strategic investment in the future of Cross River State. I expect all trainees to carry out this responsibility with utmost dedication and commitment,” he said.
Governor Otu further assured stakeholders of the state government’s continued support for health and education initiatives, stressing that collaboration between the implementation partners Evidence Action, Federal Ministry of Health, lined Ministries, Department and Agency as well as community leaders remains key to achieving success during the exercise.
In his remarks, Programme Associate, Evidence Action, Mr. Andrew Ushie, who spoke on behalf of the implementing partner, stated that following a two-day review and micro planning meeting aimed to improve future implementation, they were excited for an opportunity to train the foot soldiers who will implement the programmes in schools across the State.
While assuring the State of their resolved to support the State in eliminating all forms of infections in the State, he expressed hope that trainees would apply their new knowledge in the field for impactful results.
In a goodwill message,
Programme Officer, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Jacob Solomon, noted that the annual training has become crucial for adopting current trends in mass deworming methodology, aligning efforts to meet the 2030 elimination deadline.
The training programme, organized in partnership with Evidence Action, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to safely administer deworming drugs, manage records, and carry out community sensitization.
Health experts and resources persons at the event highlighted that regular deworming helps prevent malnutrition, anemia, and other complications associated with parasitic infections, thereby improving school attendance and learning outcomes.
The School-Based Deworming Programme is expected to cover thousands of pupils in both public and private schools across the 18 local government areas of the State, reinforcing Cross River’s commitment to improving child health and advancing sustainable development goals.
The exercise is scheduled to commence in schools statewide following the completion of the training sessions soon.
Nakanda Iyadim
