BIR treats over 2,000 patients in Kolofata

Life gradually resumes its normal course in Kolofata. In this town in the Department of the Sava Mayo where attacks by fighters from the Boko Haram very much plagued populations who are now returning slowly to their locations abandoned for several months, war no longer features as part of topics of discussion of the populations, however, we do not forget impacts caused by the attacks of terrorists who violently assaulted people.

A simple tour in the city of Kolofata will make it clear to the visitor that today's concerns are, "we must rebuild ourselves to continue to live, because we're standing", says Zra, a resident of Kolofata.

It is in this same spirit that lies the "health campaign in favour of the victims of the war against Boko Haram.". It is a work that falls within our activities in the process of the gradual return to normal life," said colonel Joseph Nouma, head of the Alpha operation.

On Saturday and Sunday, the rapid intervention battalion deployed to the Kolofata district hospital a team of 40 civilian and military personnels from several major hospitals across the country, including 7 doctors. It was part of a campaign of free health for the benefit of the victims of the war against Boko Haram.

More than 2,000 people responded to the invitation. According to the prefect of the Mayo Sava, represented in this activity by 1 Deputy, Sou-Oudi Ibrahima, this awareness which has been facilitated through the involvement of administrative and traditional authorities has allowed them to reach a very large number of people.

Outside Kolofata, capital of the district, the information circulated to the borders of the neighbouring villages. «In fact, in addition to caring for the wounded, we saw the need to expand our assistance to vulnerable persons such as children, the elderly and women», noted Commander Alain Mvogo, the chief physician of the Alpha operation. "It is for this reason that we have provided in addition to General Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics and ophthalmology specialists", says the Chief Medical Officer.

After the reception and consultation, patients were oriented on the basis of cases observed before going to the Pharmacy where they receive free prescribed products. Cases that require hospitalization were also supported.

For Maconi Wandala, inhabitant of Kolofata, it is an opportunity like no other. "I started treating my daughter for a month already. But as I did not have enough money, I never returned to the hospital. But today, my daughter has been consulted and I have received products to cure her. Thanks to the military," reflected the young mother whose 18-month daughter suffers from malnutrition.

According to Commander Hassan, ophthalmologist, "1000 cases were expected. But Saturday, before suspending the work, we were at 1600 recorded cases, which brings us to the conclusion that the need is real. We will see how to multiply the initiative in the affected communities," he said.