First Lady of Abia Ignites Statewide Polio Eradication Drive
...Calls on Mothers to Ensure Children Receive Life-Saving Immunizations
The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has launched a renewed statewide campaign to eradicate polio, passionately urging mothers across the state to ensure their children receive the vital oral polio vaccine.
She emphasized that immunization is a critical step in securing the future health and well-being of the next generation.
Her Excellency made the call during the official flag-off of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), held at the Aba South Local Government Secretariat.
The event was organized by the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and other key stakeholders.
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, the First Lady reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to child health in Abia State.
She stressed the urgent need for a zero-tolerance approach to polio and declared that every child in the state must have unhindered access to immunization services.
Mrs. Otti also commended the committed leadership of Governor Alex C. Otti, applauding his prioritization of children’s health.
She highlighted the free availability of vaccines at primary healthcare centers and the ongoing retrofitting of health facilities as landmark interventions under his administration.
Continuing in her remarks, she lauded the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency for its vital role in organizing the immunization campaign and advancing efforts to improve child health outcomes across the state.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Enoch Uche, the Chief Medical Director of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Ijeoma Nduka, praised the health sector reforms initiated by the Otti administration.
She emphasized the significance of the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme and the strategic upgrading of primary healthcare centers as key initiatives for strengthening healthcare delivery and safeguarding lives.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving total polio eradication.
He encouraged parents and caregivers to make full use of the Immunization Plus Days, assuring that trained vaccinators would reach every household to ensure no child is left behind.
Dr. Kalu reiterated the safety and effectiveness of the oral polio vaccine and called for robust grassroots support and community ownership of the campaign.
In a heartfelt vote of thanks, the Health Authority Secretary of Aba South LGA, Mrs. Uchechi Enyinnaya, expressed profound gratitude to Her Excellency ,Mrs. Priscilla Otti for her exemplary leadership in championing the polio eradication drive.
She also commended Governor Otti for his impactful and compassionate governance, offering prayers for continued grace and success in his administration.
The event featured the symbolic immunization of infants, marking the formal launch of the Immunization Plus Days campaign. It drew the attendance of traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, senior government officials, and community stakeholders.
