Chinonyerem Ukweni, a resident of Abia State and graduate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, was posted to Ondo State for the compulsory youth service.
Knowing no one and nowhere, Chinonyerem, a doctor serving with the Ondo State Veterinary Hospital, knew she was passionate about one thing: public health. She decided to begin an awareness campaign of the world’s top killer among infectious and curable diseases, tuberculosis.
hinonyerem began filming a documentary on the public health significance of tuberculosis, themed Find TB, Treat All, #EndTB. She is also building a co-op male/female toilet at the Arabirin Betty Akeredolu Market, Oda Road.
With the project beginning on the 18th of March, Chinonyerem has tested 70 people for tuberculosis, and has visited three radio stations in the state to raise awareness on the disease:
A campaign launched at the Araromi Market targeting the abattoir workers on the 23rd of March, of which 50 volunteers got tested for tuberculosis.
A second campaign was held at the semi-mechanised abattoir targeting the cattle traders on the 17th of April, and a total of 20 volunteers got tested for tuberculosis.
The team visited and discussed tuberculosis on three different radio stations: Breeze FM, Orange FM and Empire FM. All had tons of engagements in form of phone calls from the listeners.
The building of the co-joined male/female toilet started on the 1st of June, after getting all the necessary approvals. The building features a block (male/female compartments), a well, a suck away pit and an asepsis pit.
The project is expected to run for six months, and Chinonyerem can be reached at jedidiahsamuels8(at)gmail(dot)com for support.