By Florence Ugbem
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has flagged-off the Wellness on Wheels program, a free tuberculosis testing, and treatment program organized by KNCV, Tuberculosis Nigeria Foundation with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The flag-off of free testing and treatment of tuberculosis was held at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp, Daudu in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, on behalf of the people of the state, commended KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation Nigeria for its timely intervention in the state, noted that their kind gestures will complement the state government’s effort in the provision of quality healthcare in the state.
Governor Ortom enjoined traditional rulers, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure that their people take advantage of the opportunity of the free testing and treatment program.
Earlier, the Executive Director of KNCV, Dr Bertrand Odume expounded that they were in the state as part of their contribution to the global fight against the highly infectious tuberculosis disease, which is a major cause of fatality in Nigeria.
Dr Odume described the wellness on wheels program, as a game changer, which he said can take the fight against TB to the doorsteps of people in communities with high prevalence rates.
He also thanked the governor and his deputy, for their commitment and support to the program, while commending the state ministry of Health and Human Services for their collaboration.
The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Joseph Ngbea thanked the state government for its continuous support towards delivering quality healthcare services to the people of the state and thanked the KNCV TB Foundation for its timely intervention.