In Afaha Atai, a community in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, a significant number of families are struggling with the devastating impact of waterborne diseases. Over 500 households, comprising more than 2,000 occupants, have reported cases of typhoid, malaria, cholera, dysentery, and Hepatitis A, among other water-related illnesses.
The community has long faced challenges related to access to safe drinking water, which has contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases. Recently, the National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, commissioned a solar-powered borehole and conducted a free medical outreach in the area. The event was part of the association’s quarterly meeting in the state, aimed at addressing the prevailing health issues in the community.
According to Dr. Eshiet Ekanem, Medical Mate of Sancta Riviera Deck, the team conducted a detailed assessment of the community’s healthcare needs before the outreach. They found that water scarcity had led to an increase in waterborne diseases, prompting them to provide medications for common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and scabies. The team also made provisions for ailments common among the elderly, who make up about 35 percent of the residents.
The NAS Captain, Dr. Joseph Oteri, explained that the intervention was part of the association’s efforts to make a positive impact on the community. He stated that the decision to bring the outreach to Afaha Atai was informed by the prevalence of waterborne and communicable diseases in the area. The association usually selects communities for intervention based on disease prevalence and population, ensuring that they are well-equipped to provide the necessary medical support.
The Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Evang. Edidiong Inyang, commended the Seadogs for their gesture, describing it as a lifeline for residents who lack access to basic healthcare. He acknowledged that the renovated solar-powered borehole would provide a reliable source of safe drinking water, addressing a long-standing challenge in the community. The commissioning of the borehole and the free medical outreach are expected to bring relief to the affected families and contribute to improving the overall health and well-being of the community.
