NAF flags-off free medical treatment for flood-affected community in Adamawa

THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a three-day medical outreach Programme for residents of flood-ravaged Wauru-Jabbe community of Yola South Local Government Area in Adamawa.

Flagging-off the exercise on Monday, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, said the outreach was part of NAF’s humanitarian programme aimed at providing relief to victims of flood in the community.

Abubakar, who was represented by the Commander of 157 Base Services Group, Yola, Air Cdr Mohammed Yusufu, said the gesture was also part of NAF’s corporate social responsibility towards improving Civil-Military relations.

Abubakar said NAF decided to extend the gesture to Wauru-Jabbe because it is the community worst affected by the recent flood in Adamawa.

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“The choice of this community was partly informed by a report from NEMA, which showed that Wauru-Jabbe community was worst hit by the floods that destroyed lives and property a few weeks ago, with over 400 houses destroyed or submerged.

“It is worthy of note that this choice was in recognition of the cooperation and support the NAF has been accorded by the host community, which enables it to discharge its constitutional responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of a united Nigeria”, Abubakar said.

In his speech, the NAF Chief of Medical Services, Air CD-R Gideon Bako, said the medical outreach was being handled by a special medical team from NAF headquarters.

Bako, who was represented by the Director, Public Health and Humanitarian Services, Group Capt. Ali Tanko said the outreach would provide free medical check-up and treatment for malaria, hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcer, dental and eye ailments.

“Others include health talks, deworming, immunization for children, donation of ITNs, provision of eyeglasses, as well as linking victims to bigger health facilities.

“There are also relief materials to be distributed to those who were affected by the flood and are in dire need,” Bako said.

In his remarks on behalf of Adamawa Government, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr Kennedy Bartimaus, expressed appreciation to NAF for the intervention, which he said was timely.

Also speaking on behalf of the community, the village head of Wauru-Jabbe, Alhaji Salihu Mahmood, lauded NAF for the intervention and urged members of the community to make maximum use of the opportunity by availing themselves of the opportunity to enhance their health.

NAN