A call has gone to critical stakeholders in the health sector to assist the government mobilize support and also sensitize their members on the importance of participating actively during Immunization programmes in Abia State.
The Abia State Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu who recognized Religious leaders, the education institution, traditional institution among others as the major stakeholders, made the call during the Quarterly meeting he held with members of the State Immunization Task Force at Government House, Umuahia.
He stressed the need for more sensitization and advocacy programmes by stakeholders, opinion leaders , traditional rulers and religious leaders at all levels in the wards and local government areas of the state, to help disseminating information to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
Engr Emetu reaffirmed the state government’s preparedness to work on the challenges encountered by immunization officials especially in the areas of accessing the remote areas of the state.
The Deputy Governor, who is also the chairman of the taskforce, appreciated all the participants especially the World Health Organization, WHO, and UNICEF representatives for the support extended to state primary healthcare in achieving optimal health coverage.
In her remarks, The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo while emphasized the importance of vaccinating and immunizing the populace.
She thanked the state government for the support, adding that the platform has help them to interact with people at all levels.
Contributing the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Kalu U. Kalu expressed his gratitude to the state government, WHO, UNICEF for the massive support to the state primary health
The meeting featured an immunization update , challenges and wayforward by the state immunization officer ,Mr Victor Ukonu as well as goodwill messages from Donor and Partner Agencies from WHO, UNICEF, among others.
