As the fight continues against the devastating mosquito-borne disease Zika, the West Dominica Children’s Federation Inc has partnered with the Ministry of Health and Environment to donate $5000 worth of bed nets to the Maternity Ward at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and other expecting mothers on island.
The nets were presented to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Helen Royer at a handing over ceremony held at the Ministry of Health conference room located at the government Headquarters on Friday.
The West Dominica Children’s Federation Inc is a small non-profit organization working under Child Fund Caribbean as an implementing partner.
“Today we are proud to be able to partner with the Ministry of Health to give this donation of 150 nets which will lend itself to fighting against this really devastating disease, Zika,”Coordinator of the West Dominica Children’s Inc, Beverly Baron said.“We are proud to be able to give this donation that will be used directly for pregnant mothers and also in the communities under the Primary Healthcare in the communities.”
She said the nets had originally been purchased to be given for the protection of toddlers and infants from mosquito bites in communities that were affected by Tropical Storm Erika.
According to her, the federation was aware that there was a threat of Chikungunya after Tropical Storm Erika, however, with the emergence of Zika, “we had to re-direct this and use it for Zika Virus.”
She said the federation has already distributed nets to Coulibistrie and Mahaut areas.
Baron added that last year, the federation was able to do a cleanup in the Grandbay area and was able to pay in excess of $40,000 towards the trucking of garbage, “similar to what just took place recently in terms of getting old fridges and stoves out of the communities.”
The Federation also participated in a recent Zika response forum which was held to come up with a plan of action to fight against Zika.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Helen Royer, in response, said the donations will go a long way in improving the quality of life for some people.
“For us in the Ministry of Health and Environment, this is a very timely donation with the threat of Zika which has been a global issue for some time,” she stated. “We certainly know that will release a burden on us and the government.”
Royer urged other agencies to come onboard to emulate that type of activity.
She explained that bed nets were included as part of the Health Ministry’s Action Plan.
“This Action Plan has been forwarded to cabinet and has been approved…,” Royer stated.
This is a most positive organization and I commend you for your initiative. Keep it up
Dominicans have to do what they can. Everyone must play their part Well done Mrs Baron.
Is that news? News would be if they did not join!
Thumbs up to The West Dominica Children’s Federation!!!!!!