105,000 patients benefit from ICRC project

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says 105,000 patients have benefited from its Algorithm for Management of Childhood (ALMANACH) illness project in Adamawa.

The Head of Office of the ICRC in Adamawa, Mr Jean Ndizhue, made this known on Wednesday in Mubi while briefing Gov. Muhammadu Bindow who was at Mubi General Hospital.

Ndizhue said the project, which was the first in Africa, is enhancing diagnosis of children illness.

“In partnership with Adamawa Health Care Agency, the ICRC runs a project (ALMANACH) which aims to enhance the diagnosis of children (2 months to 3 years of age) illness.

“The diagnosis is assisted with tablets that help the health professionals to easily and quickly identify the illness and treat them.

“Currently, this project is implemented in 12 health facilities with possibility of incorporating more.

“The ICRC provides regular support to the project with drugs, staff salary, and technical help. More than 105,000 patients have benefitted from the services. This project is the first in Africa,” Ndizhwe said.

According to him, the ICRC health programme in Adamawa is concentrating mainly in supporting Primary Health Care Services to provide better service to the people affected by conflicts and violence, including IDPs, returnees and hosts communities.

Ndizhwe also said that the ICRC in partnership with Mubi General Hospital runs a coordinating unit that receives patients that were referred from primary health care services.

He said that the ICRC settles expenses of referred patients, drugs and salary of two staff of the coordination unit.

He said the ICRC also drilled a borehole for the hospital as well as provided two water tanks.

“Full renovation of waiting room has been completed with consulting rooms and toilets. Besides, the waiting room has been fully furnished with 174 chairs and seats for patients,’’ he said.

Also briefing the governor, the Adamawa Field Coordinator of International Rescue Committee (IRC), Mr Armand Serge, said the committee is supporting the hospital in psycho-social consoling of patients and nutrition, among others.

Bindow, who also received donation of some hospital equipment presented by MTN Foundation for Mubi and Ganye General Hospitals during the visit, lauded the various organisations for their support to the state, particularly areas affected by insurgency.

Bindow said his administration has declared a state of emergency on health and was ever ready to partner with such stakeholders in transforming the health sector.