The First Lady of Abia State, Priscilla Otti, has urged mothers across the state to ensure their children receive essential life-saving immunizations, stressing that immunization is vital to safeguarding the health and future of the next generation.
Her message was delivered by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Adaeze Emetu, during the official flag-off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) held at the Aba South Local Government Secretariat.
Organized by the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, and other key partners, the event highlighted the state’s commitment to eradicating polio and improving child health outcomes.
Otti reaffirmed her unwavering support for child health initiatives in Abia and called for zero tolerance for polio. She applauded Governor Alex Otti for his strong leadership and dedication to children’s health, citing the provision of free vaccines at primary healthcare centers and the ongoing upgrades to health facilities across the state as major milestones.
She also commended the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency for its critical role in organizing the campaign and advancing the state’s child health agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Enoch Uche, the Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Ijeoma Nduka, praised the Otti administration’s reforms in the health sector.
She highlighted initiatives like the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme and the modernization of primary healthcare centers as key strategies for improving access to quality healthcare.
The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Kalu Ulu Kalu, reaffirmed the state’s determination to eradicate polio completely. He encouraged parents and caregivers to fully participate in the Immunization Plus Days, assuring them that trained health workers have been mobilized to reach every household.
Kalu stressed the safety and effectiveness of the oral polio vaccine and called for strong community involvement, particularly at the grassroots level.
In her remarks, the Health Authority Secretary of Aba South LGA, Uchechi Enyinnaya, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Otti for her leadership in promoting child health and polio eradication. She also lauded Governor Otti for his transformative governance and prayed for continued grace and success in his administration.
The event featured the symbolic immunization of infants and marked the official launch of the Immunization Plus Days campaign. It was well attended by traditional leaders, health professionals, and senior government officials, reflecting broad-based support for the initiative.
