MSF Seeks Army’s Support for Health Mission in N/East

MSF Seeks Army’s Support for Health Mission in N/East

The Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) International has solicited the support of the Nigerian Army as it continues to provide medical assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

The health organisation’s President, Mr. Kristos Christu, made the appeal when he led a delegation to visit the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, in Abuja.

Christu, disclosed that their organisation, which is also known as doctors without border, started operation in Nigeria in 1996, saying their medical contribution has been substantial, over the years.

He said they have delivered thousands of babies for pregnant women, and also treated several persons with various ailments such as Lassa Fever, across the 36 States of the federation.

The President, said the fact that MSF workers still continue to operate in the North East amid insurgency threats demonstrates their commitment and passion to providing medical aids to plenty people.

He emphasized the need for the Army to provide maximum security so that their staff will continue to offer necessary humanitarian and medical assistance to teeming victims of terrorism.

The COAS, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, appealed to the organisation to devise effective strategies for capturing and reaching out to more displaced persons in the North East, and other conflict zones across the country.

He applauded them for continuously alleviating the medical suffering of IDPs in Nigeria, and refugees in other war-ravaged countries.

The Army Chief’s representative, however charged them to always carry out their responsibilities impartially and neutrally, adding that they must also operate with understanding and caution in order not to endanger their aid workers’ lives.

By PRNigeria