A Bauchi Based NGO Says Over 120 Suspected Meningitis Cases Have Been Confirmed in Bauchi Within 6 Months.
By Muhammad Babayo ASHA
As Cerebrospinal Fever popularly known as Meningitis is being celebrated the World over people of Bauchi state have been advised to obtain vaccination against the disease to guarantee their health status.
The Executive Director of a Non Governmental Organization, Muslims Aid Initiative Nigeria MAIN Mallam Sodangi Adam Chindo who gave the advice in Bauchi during a sensitization workshop said the call became imperative considering devastating nature of the disease.
“…. the organization that is Muslim Aid is a member of Confederation of Meningitis Organizations COMO which is a world wide network creating awareness about the disease considering its dangers…..” Malam Sodangi said.
Malam Sodangi Adam Chindo explained that from October 2023 to March 2024 Nigeria recoded one thousand seven hundred and fourty two and Bauchi recorded one hundred and twenty three suspected Meningitis cases.
He said fifth October of every year has been set aside to raise awareness on the dangers of the disease and Nigeria being part of the disease’s belt, people ought to be enlighten for them to know causes and preventive measures.
The Executive Director maintained that the organization was formed to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, promotion productive health, human rights, education and reaching out to widows and orphans through Integrated social service.
“….. here in Bauchi our theme for the celebration is Depeating Meningitis Using Multiple Channels, that is using conventional and social media platforms to create awareness to the people from the grassroots levels…..” He noted.
In a presentation the MAIN Programme Coodinator Mrs Margret Samuel Babuje charged the participants to step down the knowledge acquired to others.
“… you see meningitis is deadly disease so it’s very important for key stakeholders to create awareness for the public to know the causes and the preventive measures ….” Mrs Margret explained.
Mrs Margret Samuel Babuje solicited for the support of the state government and other key stakeholders towards fighting the scouge of the disease.
“… I want the state government to help in mobilization of the people, provision of the vaccines and manpower for the benefit of the masses especially rural dwellers…” She added.
Some of the participants spoken to, Usman Lawan and Khadija Shehu promised to use the knowledge acquired and to enlighten others on the dangers of meningitis.
They commended the effort of the NGO for championing the course of healthcare, education and other social services to the people and urged other civil society and non governmental organizations to emulate.
