POLIO: Every child must have unhindered access to immunization – Abia First Lady | Read More
The First Lady of Abia state, Mrs Priscilla Otti has rallied health workers and mothers, insisting that every child must have access to immunization as at when due, without any form of hindrance.
Mrs Otti who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu during the flag-off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), held at the Aba South Local Government Secretariat on Friday, stressed that there is need for the eradication of polio through immunization, to ensure that the future of Abia children are secured.
The governor’s wife restated that the present administration led by governor Alex Otti, is intentional about good health care system, which is why it has prioritised the retrofitting of health facilities across the state and ensuring that vaccines are made available at primary healthcare centers, free of charge.
She also lauded the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, for its vital role in organizing the immunization campaign and driving efforts to improve child health outcomes in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Enoch Uche, represented by the Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Ijeoma Nduka, applauded the health sector reforms of the Otti administration. He spotlighted the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme and the upgrading of primary healthcare centers as strategic measures to strengthen healthcare delivery and safeguard the lives of Abians.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, reiterated the state’s commitment to achieving total polio eradication. He urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the Immunization Plus Days, assuring that trained vaccinators would reach every home and ensure no child is left behind. Dr. Kalu emphasized the safety and effectiveness of the oral polio vaccine and called for strong community ownership of the campaign, especially at the grassroots level.
Giving her vote of thanks, the Health Authority Secretary of Aba South LGA, Mrs. Uchechi Enyinnaya, applauded Mrs. Priscilla Otti for championing the polio eradication effort and supporting child health.
Highlights of the event was immunization of infants, and the formal flag-off of the Immunization Plus Days campaign.
See photos:
