By Habibu Harisu
The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), on Sunday distributed food items and sanitisers to Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) clients at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was part of the association’s contribution to cushion the effects of Coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Hajia Rakiya Muhammad, NAWOJ Acting Chairperson in the state, said the measure was part of activities to curb spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muhammad said that sanitisers were also distributed to some shops at the neighbourhood as part of efforts to prevent spread of the virus.
“Even as we observe social distancing and restrictions at this critical time, we are not losing sight of the need to support the less privileged.
“We, therefore, deemed it necessary to reach out to the VVF patients, many of whom are from poor background and require support,” Muhammad said.
The chairperson who is the Bureau Chief of Daily Trust Newspapers in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, urged the VVF clients to adhere to safety regulations.
Muhammad listed the donated items to include sanitisers and packs of rice, noting that the gesture was to show compassion and put smiles on the faces of fellow women.
She advised members of the public to adhere to precautionary measures against the virus, such as hand washing, personal hygiene, social distancing, and avoid congested places.
Also speaking, Dr Lawal Bello, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, commended the gesture, adding it would go a long way to uplift the well being of persons suffering from fistula.
“We appreciate the support; the show of kindness to these women, they are disadvantaged in the society because of their peculiar problem of VVF.”
One of the beneficiaries, Maryam Yar-Saula, thanked the association for the gesture, describing it as great at this critical period of the pandemic. (NAN)
