Taraba Receives Health Intervention Materials From NEDC

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has donated critical medical consumables and treatment materials to the Taraba State Ministry of Health, aimed at enhancing the fight against cervical cancer and managing outbreaks of Lassa fever and cholera across the state.

The official handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Jalingo, with key stakeholders in attendance.

Leading the NEDC delegation, Dr. Batulu Isa Mohammed explained that the donation was part of a follow-up intervention after the recent training of Taraba-based doctors in Gombe State.

She noted that the initiative was designed to alleviate the financial burden of cervical cancer treatment, particularly for women struggling with the high cost of care.

"These drugs and materials will ease the pain of patients and help them receive timely, effective treatment," Dr. Batulu said, emphasizing the importance of prevention.

She added that the donation also includes medications to combat Lassa fever and cholera outbreaks, with each zone in the state set to receive a fair share of the supplies.

Dr. Batulu also stressed the need for intensified public health awareness ahead of the rainy season, which often triggers floods and disease outbreaks.

She reaffirmed the NEDC's commitment to supporting healthcare delivery in Taraba State and expressed the commission's willingness to strengthen its partnership with the state government.

In his remarks, Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Buma Bordiya, lauded the NEDC for its timely and impactful intervention, describing it as aligned with the healthcare priorities of Governor Agbu Kefas.

"This donation speaks directly to the vision of Governor Kefas, who is deeply committed to improving public health," Dr. Bodiya stated. "These materials will undoubtedly help save lives across our communities."

Addressing the current public health challenges, the Commissioner confirmed recent cholera outbreaks in Chinkai, Wukari Local Government Area, while noting that drugs had also been dispatched to Karim Lamido LGA to tackle similar cases.

He disclosed that Governor Kefas had recently met with the Federal Minister of Health to seek federal assistance, resulting in the delivery of Lassa fever medications from India.

Dr. Bordiya further appealed to the NEDC to support the state in expanding pharmaceutical storage infrastructure, requesting the upgrading of the Central Medical Store in Jalingo and the construction of additional storage facilities in each senatorial district to improve drug distribution and management.

He also called for assistance in procuring anti-snake venom, especially as snakebite incidents rise during the rainy season.

"These life-saving drugs are scarce and very expensive," the Commissioner noted, urging the commission to consider this urgent need.