Ofem, Okoi Etim –Malaborwatch
Online Media
EBOLA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: SENSITIZING THE PEOPLE ON THE MENACE On
the sunny and clement Wednesday of 13th August, 2014, Calabar school of
philosophy, university of calabar, held an Ebola Awareness Campaign. In the
spirit of the campaign, the head of the department of philosophy Prof. Mrs.
Dorothy Olu Jacob gave remarks about Ebola virus which has claimed the lives of
many; a speech that triggered concerns to educate people on the danger of the
African/World's deadly disease. Also, Prof. Chris Ijiomah and Dr. Asira Asira
both of the department of philosophy strengthened the points made by the H.O.D
thus expressing their happiness on such a humanitarian enlightenment campaign.
The flag of the campaign was lifted and philosophy students and lecturers were
resplendent in white polos with Ebola Awareness Campaign imprinted. Many held
cardboards carrying valuable information as some others reveled in the
distribution of flyers. The campaign took off from the department of philosophy
with a rally tour in campus before engaging in the education of the people in
the streets and market community. Hilarious and fantastic scenes and drama were
created to capture the minds of the people as well as creating a mental picture
of the virus to the people for them to feel the immense impact of Ebola virus.
Consequently, at some point there were stops made on the movement in order to
pass the message: Ebola is a disease that has killed nearly 900people in
Africa. The Health Minister confirmed on the 7th of August, 2014 the dead of a
nurse who died of the disease in a Nigerian hospital. Other health officers
have been affected, confirming the presence of the disease in Nigeria. Based on
this fact, the possible preventive measures include; having contact with soap,
bleach, sunlight, or drying. A washing machine will kill the virus in clothing
saturated with infected body fluids. However the symptoms one needs to check
out for include; body aches, high fever, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, profuse
vomits, heavy internal and external bleeding e.t.c which has an infection
period of 2-21days before illness. The campaign gradually came to its close
after many a people were highly educated on the virus. The terminal point was
at millennium park with a position statement delivered by Dr. Jonathan
Chimakonam of the department of philosophy on a combative effort of all to
prevent the spread of Ebola or possibly annihilate it. He closed his remarks by
acknowledging the effort of those who fought and died for our nation including
victims of Ebola. A candle light commemoration was conducted by Dr. Mesembe
Edet also from the department of philosophy as endnote to the campaign in
honour of the souls of the departed. Thanks
to all who are Ebola conscious and are ready to join hands in curbing this
menace.
