The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (LMN), has distributed foodstuff and hygiene materials to the community of Amanawa Infectious Disease Hospital in Dange/Shuni local government area of Sokoto.
The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic across the world and in most states of Nigeria, had resulted in untold economic hardship for millions of Nigerians, especially persons affected by leprosy and disabilities who rely on daily wages for their livelihoods.
Dr Bello Tambuwal, the Project Manager, Sokoto State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, who led the distribution on Thursday, said that the items were provided for the special group to support their needs.
“We are here to support all of you and reduce your pain, occasioned by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Moreover, we want to assure you that more palliatives are coming from the mission and other government agencies to support you.”
He commended the state government and the state’s Task Force Committee on COVID-19 for the commitment to minimise the effects of Coronavirus in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Inname, described the gesture as highly commendable, saying “these items came at the right time.”
Inname, who was represented by Dr Abdulrahman Ahmad, the Director, Public Health, Sokoto State Ministry of Health, reassured of more palliatives to the people.
Dr Usman Bello, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Infectious Disease Hospital and Public Health Laboratory Amanawa, thanked LMN for the gesture.
Bello, who was represented by Dr Bilyaminu Sifawa, urged the people in the community to always observe the COVID-19 protocols through frequent washing of hands and use of hand sanitisers, wearing of face mask, maintaining social distance and respiratory hygiene.
Mr Stephen Okpanachi, the Programme Officer, LMN Sokoto project, listed the items distributed to include rice, beans, millet, gari, noodles, vegetable oil, seasoning, hand sanitisers, face mask and antiseptic soaps.
Okpanachi appealed to wealthy individuals to support the vulnerable and people with special needs in the state.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke thanked LMN for supporting them.
