Women in Poultry supports psychiatric hospitals with eggs

The apex body of Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC) in collaboration with the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat (GNECS) has donated over 6000 eggs to the Accra and Pantang Psychiatric Hospitals.

The association also donated eggs to some selected media houses within Accra. The donation forms part of the association’s activities to mark World Egg Day which falls on October 9 every year.

The eggs are meant to boost the immune system of the inmates especially during this Covid-19 period.

Presenting the crate eggs, the National President of WIPVaC, Victoria Norgbey, said eggs must be added to the meals of inmates at all times since it has essential nutrients like choline for brain improvement.

The hospital has patients with peculiar needs therefore eggs must be part of the daily meal of inmates to help in their recovery” she stressed.

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She further urged companies and the government to add eggs to their earmarked items for donation especially during this covid-19 pandemic to help build the immune system of Ghanaians.

Receiving the eggs at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Public Relations Manager, Francisca Ntow, commended the two organization for the gesture, adding that the eggs would greatly supplement the protein given to the inmates.

We often give the inmates fish so these eggs, apart from their nutritious value, would also provide variety for them,” she noted.

Ntow, who called on stakeholders to come to the aid of the hospital, observed that the hospital was not spared the hardship of the Covid-19 pandemic as most of their donors were unable to fulfil their pledges.

“The hospital survives 80% on donation and the pandemic and the eventual lockdown prohibited our donor from coming to aid,” she stated.

At the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital, Beatrice Danso. a nurse who received the donation on behalf of the Medical Director said “We are excited to receive this gesture from WIPVaC and its partners” and appealed to the general public to take cue and also support the hospital.

World Egg Day is celebrated around the world and helps to raise awareness of the benefits of eggs and their importance in human nutrition.

World Egg Day was established at the International Egg Commission (IEC) Vienna 1996 conference when it was decided to celebrate World Egg Day on the second Friday in October each year.

For centuries, eggs have played a major role in feeding families around the globe. They are an unbeatable package when it comes to versatility and top-quality protein at a very affordable price. And they are also an excellent source of choline, essential in memory and brain development. When you factor in convenience and terrific taste, there is just no competition.

Eggs are one of nature’s highest quality sources of protein, and indeed contain many of the key ingredients for life. The proteins contained within eggs are highly important in the development of the brain and muscles, have a key role to play in disease prevention and contribute to general wellbeing.

WIPVaC has been involved in advocacy and research activities for enabling environment for sustainable livestock development. In 2019, with sponsorship from the BUSAC Fund and its donors, USAID and DANIDA, WIPVaC-Apex through extensive research, obtained evidence to advocate the speedy implementation of the ECOWAS Veterinary Pharmaceutical Protocol which was yet to be operationalised in Ghana.

The association has also enjoyed support from the USDA projects (AMPLIFIES and Ghana Poultry Project) for Poultry Value Chain Development activities, AU-IBAR, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Veterinary Services Directorate.

Norgbey expressed gratitude to its members who provided the eggs for donation. She therefore urged the general public to support the farmers by buying eggs for donation. “You can call us on 0243134480 or 0544891588 and we will deliver” she stated.