By Grace Audu –
Médecins Sans Frontières, otherwise called Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has organised an exhibition of photographs in Sokoto State, to celebrate humanity and the resilience of its activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the theme of the photo exhibition is; “50 Years of Humanity ’’, aimed at providing glimpse into the work of MSF over half a century, by telling the stories of its members of staff and patients globally.
A statement signed by MSF Communication Officer, Mr Abdulkareem Yakubu on Friday, indicated that residents of Sokoto would be able to visit the exhibition centre between Feb. 12 and 13, at Sokoto Guest Inn, Kalambaina Road.
The statement enjoined visitors to adhere to the guided tours conducted by MSF staff by giving them a unique insight into the work of the doctors in Sokoto State and environs.
According to Yakubu, Nigeria holds a special place in MSF’s history, as this is where the idea of the organisation first came into being.
“In the late 1960s, a group of young French doctors returned from Nigeria, joined with some select journalists, and founded the international medical humanitarian organisation in 1971.
“MSF now has close to 65,000 staff and operates in more than 70 countries across the world,” he said.
The statement quoted MSF country representative in Nigeria, Simba Tirima as reaffirming the organisation’s continued commitment to the people of Nigeria.
It stated that the work of MSF in Nigeria ranged from treating cholera patients to assisting people displaced from their homes.
According the organisation, it supports the survivors of sexual violence to work, prevent, treat, and raise awareness of the hemorrhagic illness, Lassa fever.
According to MSF, it also responds to other emergencies across the country and support primary, paediatric and maternal healthcare in the areas most in need.
“MSF teams have been working in Sokoto State since 2008 to support public health responses to outbreaks of cholera, meningitis and measles, as well as to malnutrition and violence-related emergencies and needs.
“Since 2014, in collaboration with the state’s ministry of health, MSF has also been conducting surgical interventions for patients affected by the neglected disease, Noma.
“MSF has drawn upon the spirit of humanity and solidarity to support the ministry in delivering reconstructive surgical operations for noma patients in Sokoto State, and to similarly affected people from across other states of Nigeria.
“We hope this exhibition will be an opportunity for the people and communities of Sokoto and neighboring states to learn more about MSF’s work, and to engage directly with the staff who deliver our lifesaving work,” MSF said.
