NIDCU receives donation

By Linda Straker

Ronnie Marryshow, Counsellor at the National Infectious Disease Control Unit (NIDCU), says that approximately 40 families will benefit from a donation of foodstuff and other non-perishable items which was presented to the clinic for distribution to needy families from banks and other financial institutions that were associated with activities observing Financial Information Month.

An activity co-ordinated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) aimed at increasing Eastern Caribbean Currency Union nationals’ awareness and knowledge about financial information and how it affects their daily lives and future planning, the Financial Information Month is observed in October annually.

ECCB representative, Linda Felix-Berkeley, presenting the
donation to NIDCU representative, Ronnie Marryshow.

ECCB representative, Linda Felix-Berkeley, said that besides the educational sessions, the participating financial institutions have over the years made a contribution to a needy organisation and the 2013 recipient was the National Infectious Disease Control Unit – the arm of the Ministry of Health – which provides care and support to persons affected by infectious diseases.

“All the institutions who participated in the activities for 2013 came together and made this contribution, which is valued at more than EC$1 000. The recommendation came from one of the members of the organising committee, who is aware about the needs about those who are seeking the services at the clinic,” said the ECCB representative, as she explained how the recipient was selected.

Counsellor Marryshow said that the donation will be provided to persons who are receiving treatment for HIV, because it’s important that food be consumed along with the medication. “For the medication to be effective, those who are on treatment should be eating,” he said.

He further explained that some of the persons on treatment are not employed and providing them with a food hamper will provide some much-needed assistance.