“ This is a “thank you” Visit; UNHCR is grateful to the Cross River state Government and His Excellency Sen Ben Ayade for the support to the Cameroonian Refugees resident in Cross River state; The great work and commitment shown by the Cross River State Health sector and Dr Betta Edu in particular, over the years even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have made life Better for the Refugees. We will not create parallel structures but we will work with the state ministry of Health to improve health Care for both the refugees and their host communities.” These were the words of the Country Representative of the United Nations High Commission For Refugees Chansa Kapaya as she and her team held a strategic meeting with the Honorable Commissioner For Health Cross River State Dr Betta Edu in her office.
In appreciation of efforts UNHCR Representative Mrs Chansa Kapaya further thanked the government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade for the immense support and show of humanity to the victims not only by accommodating them but also providing them with the basic amenities of life as well as security. "Honorable Commissioner Ma, UNCHR is not ignorant of your State government support, love and care towards the refugees that have today found solace in your State. We appreciate Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his show of love, kindness and care for humanity. We watch with keen interest and satisfaction your various visits, donations, and support for these people and we can't thank you less Dr Betta Edu.
"You've in diverse ways proven that the welfare of humans irrespective of their tribe, country or religion remains your priority and this has proven that you're indeed a leader and a worth ambassador. UNHCR is happy that these people. have been absorbed especially by the host community and they feel safe, comfortable. “We shouldn't look at these refugees as a burden to the state but a resource for development of society where the live. Most of them are quite industrious, resourceful and very useful to the society," she added.
Dr Betta Edu on her part welcomed the UNHCR representative Mrs Chansa Kapaya and her team assuring her of the State's commitment to keep doing more for the Cameroonian refugees residing in CRS. “Our health system is happy to offer services to Refugees. it's not easy to leave your comfort zone to a strange land. I've been visiting them regularly as their camp at some point became my second home, we go there with food items, relief materials, medical items, health talks and care.
"We therefore wish to appreciate UNHCR for their support especially in the health sector as some of our primary and secondary health facilities have been renovated and equipped. this has indeed benefited the host community.
In pursuance of the Universal Health Coverage, we've flagged off the State health insurance scheme (Ayadecare) and should covers the refugees as well as both pregnant women and children under 5yrs will be given care without charges. Furthermore we will vaccinate all persons Eligible amongst the Refugees; everyone needs to be protected from COVID-19 refugee or not."
Dr Edu ended by calling on UNHCR to always feed the State with a monthly report as that will help the State to know what challenges needs to be addressed.
Mrs Kapaya assured her of a regular monthly report as well as more support to boast the health sector while Committing to the enrollment of refugees under the state Health Insurance scheme.
Dr Edu alongside the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Barr Takon Asu Takon, her entire directors and other health personnel were all in attendance during the visit.
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