Polio Eradication Drive: Abia First Lady Urges Mothers to Offer their Children for Immunization

In her avowed commitment towards polio eradication in Abia, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti called on mothers across the state to ensure their children receive life-saving immunizations.

Mrs. Otti made the call during the flag-off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), held at the Aba South Local Government Secretariat.

She emphasized that this vital step is crucial to securing the future health and well-being of the next generation.

Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Mrs Otti reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to child health in Abia State.

She emphasized the urgent need for zero tolerance for polio and insisted that every child must have unhindered access to immunization.

The Abia First Lady commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritizing children’s health, citing the free availability of vaccines at primary healthcare centers and the ongoing retrofitting of health facilities across the state as landmark interventions.

She also praised the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency for its vital role in organizing the immunization campaign and driving efforts to improve child health outcomes in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. 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 identified 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, Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, reiterated the state’s commitment to achieving total polio eradication.

Kalu urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the Immunization Plus Days, assuring that trained vaccinators would reach every home to ensure that no child is left behind.

He emphasized the safety and effectiveness of the oral polio vaccine and called for strong community ownership of the campaign, especially at the grassroots level.

In a vote of thanks, the Health Authority Secretary of Aba South LGA, Mrs. Uchechi Enyinnaya, expressed deep appreciation to Mrs. Priscilla Otti for championing the polio eradication effort and supporting child health.

She also commended Governor Otti for his impactful governance and prayed for continued grace and success in his leadership.

The event, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and other critical stakeholders, featured the symbolic immunization of infants, the formal flag-off of the Immunization Plus Days campaign.