By Peter Nwasike
Mothers have been advised to ensure that their children participate in the “ORAL POLIO VACCINE” because the aim is to give children immunization against infant sickness such as weakness of limb that can cause deformity, sickness of measles, and other childhood diseases.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Vincent Ogochukwu Okpala, made the admonition when he flagged off “THE NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION DAY 2019”, held at Enugu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Friday, July 19, 2019.
Dr. Okpalla, who represented Governor Willie Obiano on the occasion, said that the compulsory immunizations are for children between 0-5 years.
He said that Government intends to protect children from infant mortality and deformity, by giving free mosquito nets for their use, and also administering vaccines, to protect them from childhood sickness, such as Measles, and related sickness. He called on mothers to ensure that their neighbours also immunize their children, because, other children who were not immunized, can jeopardize the health of those immunized. He also reminded the generality of the people, to avail themselves of the services of Anambra Health Issuance Agency, because, they are the mechanism that Government puts in place for qualitative healthcare delivery.
In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Ezenyimulu, intimated that “WILD POLIO VIRUS” which is instrumental to sudden weakness of limbs, and precipitate deformity, have been eradicated in Anambra State, and that for the past 14 years, no case of polio patient was reported. She attributed the success to the keen participation of the State, in all activities of immunization. She disclosed that Anambra State won first position in National Immunization Assessment, in 2018. She also disclosed that Anambra’s success in comprehensive immunization, has won the privilege to participate in the “BASIC HEALTH CARE PROVISION FUND (BHCPF)”, of the Federal Government. She intimated that what qualified Anambra State in the project was the existence of functional ANAMBRA STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, and functional ANAMBRA STATE HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY. She asserted that the fund, which amounts to one percent of the Consolidated Revenue of the Federation, shall be shared among the States for Primary Health Care activities. She paid tribute to Governor Obiano, for giving due attention to Ministry of Health, for qualitative health care delivery.
The Transition Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Hon. Chief George Okoye, expressed appreciation for the historic occasion held in his jurisdiction. He assured that his Council Area, shall implement all mandate from the State Government, for good governance.
In his welcome address, the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Town Union, Hon. Dr. Chidi Okoye, expressed delight to be privileged to host the occasion. He intimated that their town is within the Awka Capital Development Territory, and in fact they are five minutes drive to Awka State Capital City. He said that they have built International Timber/Building Materials Market, with the capacity of 2000 shops, awaiting commissioning. He suggested, that when commissioned, Government can relocate some of the congested markets in Awka Capital City, to Enugwu-Agidi, and assured all resident in their town of hospitality and security.
Many dignitaries attended the occasion, including Dr. Mrs. Oby Uchebo, a health functionary, Igwe Mike Okekeuche of Enugwu-Agidi, Royal Fathers and many others. Highlights of the occasion was when the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Vincent Okpalla, administered the “ORAL POLIO VACCINE”, (OPV), on the babies, cuddled by their mothers.
