NPA cautions staff against meningitis infection, begins vaccination

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) yesterday commenced the vaccination of its personnel against meningitis infection.

The exercise, according to NPA is in response to efforts by World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of the disease in some West African countries of Senegal, Chad, Mali, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Flagging off the programme, Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi reiterated the commitment of the Authority to the wellbeing of its workforce.

Represented by the General Manager, Marine and Operations, Abdullahi Goje, Abdullahi noted that the authority believes in the popular saying that health is wealth, noting that the Authority will not spare any effort at ensuring that the entire workforce remains healthy.

He urged NPA’s medical division to spread the programme to all port locations and the zonal offices of the authority.

In her welcome address, the General Manager Medical Services Dr C.I. Abama, explained that the division embarked on the exercise in response to efforts by World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of meningitis in some of West African countries of Senegal, Chad, Mali, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria, regarded as meningitis belts.

Dr. Abama explained that meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, adding that GSK Pharmaceuticals is involved in the programme, “because it is the manufacturer of meningitis drugs”.

While listing the benefits of the exercise to include supporting employees well-being, reduction in absenteeism as a result of referrals, cost control, reduction of injuries and improving productivity, she thanked the management for its support for the division’s activities through approvals over the years.