Abia First Lady Charges Mothers On Life Saving Immunization Campaign

The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti has called on mothers across the state to ensure that their children receive life-saving medical immunization as she also emphasized that it is a vital step to secure the future health and well-being of the next generation

The Abia First Lady made the call during the flag-off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), held at the Aba South Local Government Secretariat on Friday.

The event was 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.

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.

She commended Governor Alex Otti for his steadfast leadership and prioritization of 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.

Her Excellency 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.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. 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 spotlighted 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 of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, reiterated the state’s commitment to achieving total polio eradication. He urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the Immunization Plus Days, assuring that trained vaccinators would reach every home and ensure no child is left behind. Dr. Kalu 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 her vote of thanks, the Health Authority Secretary of Aba South LGA, Mrs. Uchechi Enyinnaya, expressed deep appreciation to Her Excellency 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 featured the symbolic immunization of infants, the formal flag-off of the Immunization Plus Days campaign, and was attended by traditional rulers, health professionals, and top government officials.