Essential Ndubuisi
By Uche Nworah
Anambra state government, through the Ministry of Health has introduced more aggressive measures towards reducing the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
Speaking to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala said that the ministry was charged by Governor Willie Obiano to think of innovative ways of halting the spread of Covid-19 in the state, hence the adoption of some of the measures.
“We have Covid-19 testing mobile teams that go around the churches in the state. Through this convenient ‘door step’ service, we also offer counselling and advice”, Dr. Okpala said.
Continuing, he said that, “Drive -through Covid-19 testing will be rolled out shortly across the three Senatorial zones in the state. Our strategy is to ensure that our people are tested, so that they will know their status. This makes treatment easier. If people know their status and commence early treatment if they are positive, the chances of beating the virus increases tremendously”.
Dr. Okpala reminded that COVID-19 testing and treatment is free in Anambra state, and encouraged Ndi Anambra to take advantage of the free Covid-19 testing and treatment services being made available by the state government.
At Sacred Heart Chaplaincy, Ngozika Estate, Awka, where this reporter also took the Covid-19 test, Anambra state Ministry of Health officials were observed on Sunday, 14th February, 2021 administering Covid-19 tests on some of the parishioners. Many expressed satisfaction with the state government, for bringing Covid-19 testing service to churches.
Chief Charles Mbakaigwe, a parishioner who also got tested said, “This idea is wonderful. It is very convenient and also helps to demystify the myth around Covid-19. Kudos to Anambra state government”.
The Cathechist of the church, Mr Ray Nwokike, and the Chaplain, Reverend Father Hycinth Okafor praised the efforts of the state government in minimising the spread of the virus, and called on parishioners and Ndi Anambra to take advantage of the services by subjecting themselves to Covid-19 tests which are being provided freely.
