Eket is the second-largest city in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The name also refers to the indigenous ethnic group of the region and to their language.
On arrival the team was received at the council Secretariat by the Supervising Councillor for Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon. Sylvester Edinam on behalf of the Paramount ruler of Eket LGA, His Royal Majesty Edidem E.C.D Abia. Hon, Edinam took the team to visit the clan Head of Offiong clan in his palace, His Royal Highness Edidem Charles Eno, then proceeded to the Council Secretariat Premises for the commencement of the COVID-19 awareness, also visited Urua Nka Eket a market in addition to major locations in the local government.
Although, in fact, the new coronavirus outbreak – as any other epidemic – may equally infect everyone, the most vulnerable have less capacity to cope with the impact of such infection. Poor rural households are less able to reach or afford medical care, and the availability and capacity of health systems in poor remote areas is limited. Moreover, poor rural households have less capacity to cope economically with the consequences of an outbreak. The lockdown of almost all cities in Akwa Ibom and the movement restrictions that were implemented have prevented many people from working, particularly farming workers whose income many rural households depend upon. It has also deprived many households of their main source of income. Similarly, the closure of roads and reduction in transportation have delayed or reduced the sale of agricultural products and has affected many small businesses in rural areas.
Several measures have been implemented over the past few weeks to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in rural areas. To support sanitization, the awareness team distributed hundreds of hand sanitizers and antiseptic soap to the locals.
There is no doubt that the potentially high costs and impact of the outbreak on the rural population are being minimized by the many measures that have been put in place. However, these measures counter the immediate, short-term impacts of the crisis, but do not address the root causes of vulnerability in rural areas.
The Community thanks Stakeholder – Alan Burche Pharmacy for being a major partner in bringing the COVID-19 awareness to Eket Local Government Area.
The mobilization team was led by COVID19 Mobilization Team Lead; Ezekiel Okon with support from Victor Inyang and the members of the Nigerian Library Association, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
