NGO takes health, environmental campaigns to rural communities

As part of efforts to ensure rural populace have to access health facilities available in their areas and boost the understanding of consequences of environmental degradation, an NGO, the Community Awareness Development Initiative (CADI) has taken enlightenment campaigns to various rural communities in Sokoto. The communities covered are Chimmola, Tsaki, Gandi, Dabagin Ardo, Achida, Gande and Gidan Madi.

“Most sensitisations are being organised in urban centres and at local government headquarters, which mainly attract residents of cities and marginalising rural dwellers,” District Head of Gagi Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, Chairman , Board of Trustees of the organisation said.

He said that was why CADI deemed it necessary to embark on sensitization of the communities on the impacts of climate change, re-modelling of Almajiri system of education as well as mobilise the people on the need to access improved health care services.

“We also sensitize the communities to demand for improved health care services and take ownership of health programmes,” Umar-jabbi added.

He said CADI would also intensify efforts on awareness campaign on maternal health, immunisation, and girl-child education, among other issues.

“Efforts are also geared to ensure people understand the consequences of environmental degradation that led to increased desertification which caused drought, flooding and others.

“Residents are also being educated on ways of mitigation and environmental conflicts management.”

The Chairman said people were being encouraged to cater for their children rather leaving the responsibility to their tutor.

CADI , he disclosed, was in partnership with Save One Million Lives Initiative and other organisations to create awareness in communities and ensure wider health coverage and

community ownership of health-related programmes.