Abia State government has announced its preparedness to abolish all forms of traditional childhood practices in the state.
The state deputy governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu disclosed this during the quarterly taskforce meeting on Primary Health Care held at Government House, Umuahia.
Emetu, who doubles as the Chairman of the committee, frowned at the ugly incidents of such practices, described it as obnoxious and unhealthy, which encourages mother and child mortality rate.
He called for collaboration between the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency and other stakeholders like the religious bodies, traditional institutions, and the local authorities to ensure a seamless immunization delivery.
Engr. Emetu said that such partnership would have overcome cultural and other social barriers that have hindered effective immunization coverage and addressed the issues of rejection and non-compliance.
He stated that the government under the leadership of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has made giant strides in infrastructural development to foster health care accessibility and prompt delivery.
In his address, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ABSPHCDA), Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu expressed happiness on- the ongoing construction and equipping of 200 health centres across the state by the state government.
He stated that the facilities, when complted and equipped, would be manned by trained health personnel for effective service delivery and expressed confidence in the State’s ability to win the 2025 National Leadership Award in primary health care delivery.
In their goodwill messages, the representatives of World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), appreciated the state government for revolutionising the health sector and pledged their continuous support in vaccine provision, immunization delivery, and other logistics to improve reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, child and adolescent health, and nutrition.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Bar. Chijioke Nwankwo, State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Victor Orji, Representatives of the Muslim and Christian bodies, Shiek Ali Ukiwo and Rev Ojo Ojo, respectively, and other stakeholders attended the meeting.
