To ensure that residents consume hygienic food and drink safe, potable water, especially in various healthcare facilities in Anambra State, stakeholders on food safety and hygiene, water, sanitation, and hygiene have been inaugurated in Awka.
In inaugurating the committee, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is passionate about food safety in the state. He emphasized that his government is committed to ensuring that Ndi Anambra consumes good, safe food that is not contaminated under any circumstance.
The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, pointed out that food safety is one of the most significant issues in the state and Nigeria in general. He noted that as most people eat out on a daily basis, stakeholders need to take their job seriously. He commended Governor Soludo for the ongoing provision of potable water in the state.
Giving an overview of the program, the State Food Safety and Hygiene Coordinator, Dr. Rose Amasiani, stated that the group was created in April 2021 with the aim of enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of the importance and principles of domesticating the food safety and hygiene program in Anambra.
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Dr. Amasiani revealed that there are about six hundred million cases of foodborne illnesses annually and about four hundred and twenty thousand food-related deaths yearly. She urged everyone to be actively involved in championing the campaign for food safety, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The State Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Aneme, noted that the campaign requires the involvement of all relevant stakeholders to propagate the importance of consuming good and safe food, as well as drinking potable water in their homes and hospitals.
In his address, the Anambra State Chairman of the Food Vendors Association of Nigeria, Comrade Obi Madubugwu, assured that they would do everything humanly possible to fulfill the mandate given to them by involving all relevant stakeholders to sensitize and educate the citizenry.
Speaking on behalf of the Transition Committee Chairmen, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr. Anslem Onuorah, promised that they would provide the association with all the necessary support for them to excel. He emphasized the need for robust and massive sensitization of the people.
The event, which was organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Health in conjunction with the State Association of Food Vendors, attracted all relevant stakeholders, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Civil Society Organizations, among others.