Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged off the third Phase of Covid-19 Mass Vaccination for persons aged 18 years and above with a charge on citizens to avail themselves the opportunity to be vaccinated especially with the emergence of Omicron variant of the deadly virus.
Speaking during the ceremony held at Isiala Ngwa South LGA Headquarters Omoba, Governor Ikpeazu who regretted the low number of people vaccinated in the state, explained that contrary to perception of some individuals over the Covid-19 vaccines and it’s effects on the body, the vaccines are safe and given free of charge
He disclosed that plans are on top gear by the Abia State government to establish a Covid-19 research institute, adding that the state has signed an MOU with World Health Organization (WHO) for the citation of the research institute at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba.
Governor Ikpeazu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Dr Felix Joe,encouraged Traditional Rulers, Clergymen and other stakeholders to sensitize and motivate their wards to corporate with the health workers in their bid to vaccinate all those eligible.
In a keynote address, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Joe Osuji, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Franca Ekwueme, called on all to come out enmasse and ensure they are vaccinated against the deadly virus and thanked the development partners for their support in eradicating Covid-19.
Also Speaking, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Chinagozi Adindu, informed that the essence of the Mass Vaccination Campaign was to increase the exercise in the State and recorded optimism that 50% of the Abia populace would be vaccinated before January 2022.
According to him, the state government has made available 133 Vaccination Centers across the state in addition to engaging private hospitals to easy vaccination adding that the Covid-19 vaccines are free, safe and effective.
Representative of the WHO, and other Development Partners, Mrs Ogechi Chigbu, commended the Abia State Government for the giant strides taken in ensuring the eradication Coronavirus pandemic in the state adding that over 127,000 persons have been vaccinated with 12,024 persons tested.
In their separate contributions,the Chairman Isialangwa South LGA, Chief Ike Anyataonwu and the Chairman Isialangwa South Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Nwakanma Nwankpa appreciated health workers of the State especially the Primary Healthcare Agency for their doggedness in Mass Vaccination against covid-19 and encouraged his Council Members to take the Vaccination seriously pointing out that it would provide the needed immunity.
The Third Phase of the Covid-19 Mass Vaccination feautured a sensitization rally by the Isiala Ngwa LGA Health workers as well as the demonstration of the Covid-19 vaccination by the Governor’s representative.
