Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has called on Health Workers in the State to brace up and meet the challenges of the 2nd Round of the Outbreak Response (OBR) for Polio vaccination campaign with vigor to contain the spread of the virus, using the novel vaccine nOPV2
Dr lkpeazu who made the call while flagging off the 2nd Round of Outbreak Response (OBR) for Polio vaccination campaign held at the Umuahia South LGA, Apumiri, Ubakala also enjoined Traditional Rulers, religious leaders, Parents and stakeholders to be involved by ensuring that children from 0-5 years are given two drops of nOPV2 and other Routine Immunization Antigens according to schedules in Health and Immunization centres nearest to them.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu disclosed that the first round of the OBR campaign was successfully implemented between the 19th – 22nd June 2021 in all the LGAs with some levels of non-compliance in some areas of Aba South and Ukwa East and reaffirmed Govt’s committment to the success of the 2nd round.
He said the greatest challenge facing all and the present administration is to sustain their love and concern for Abia children by tenaciously sticking to the immunization of every single child in the State, irrespective of their previous immunization status as this will save the lives and mortality of under 5 years children as well as contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals No 3 which is “Good Health And Well-being For All Ages”.
The State’s Chief Executive commended the unwavering efforts of the Federal Govt through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and partners like WHO and UNICEF for their committment in the support for maternal and child survival in the State by meeting their obligations in the partnership.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji represented by the Permanent Secretary, Deaconess Franca Ekwueme pointed out that the child and health friendly Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu is not relenting in his resolve to protect every child in the State from being affected by the Polio virus said the vaccine is a potent tool that reduces the spread of the poliomyelitis virus and encouraged mothers to present their children from 0-5 years for vaccination to save them from deadly childhood diseases.
Presenting his address, the Chairman, Umuahia South LGA, Chief Humphrey Benson represented by his wife, Mrs Esther Humphrey stated that the flag off is a proactive step taken to prevent the new strain of the virus identified in Aba River in Aba North LGA from transmitting and infecting humans and advised everyone to take the immunization procedures seriously.
The ceremony which featured a goodwill message on behalf of other Health partners from the WHO representativeDr N E Okoro, administering of the vaccines on the children and presentation of gifts to mothers attracted the presence of the Chairman Ikwuano LGA, top Govt Officials and stakeholders in the health sector.
