The National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) on Saturday embarked on a Nationwide environmental sanitation exercise towards prevention of diseases and their escalation.
The exercise which is a continuation of the NYSC National environmental sanitisation, was themed on “Clean environment/good hygiene: panacea for good health and long life”, aims to enlighten the people on health risks of poor hygiene as well as prevention of contamination of food, water and the environment.
The Director General of NYSC, Major General Ibrahim Shuaibu in a statement delivered by the Ebonyi State coordinator, Mrs Mercy Bamai Dawuda, said the essence was to disinfect the environment and public places.
He emphasized on the need for community participation in the exercise to feature sensitization, disease surveillance and report of outbreaks.
“A good example is seen in the robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with awareness”. Ibrahim said.
The DG also expressed joy in the success of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) free medical outreach of the NYSC, noting that beneficiaries of the exercise have been sharing testimonies on the impact in their health and wellness.
“I wish to assure Nigerians that we will not rest on our oars as we continue to offer health and other services, including environmental protection.
” I am particularly hopeful about the prospects of this exercise because with regular sanitation, malaria and other related diseases will be reduced to the barest minimum”. He said.
He thanked the State Governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for supporting the exercise and commended NYSC Staff and Corps members for demonstrating the zeal to contribute towards ensuring a healthy and stable environment.
“In particular, I appreciate the unrelenting efforts of the Director and Staff of the Community Development Service and Special Projects Department as well as NYSC State Secretariats nationwide to successfully implement this programme. I earnestly look forward to the much anticipated outcomes of the exercise.” Ibrahim added