Gov Amaechi Stresses Relevance Of Immunization

By Ministry Of Information

Monday, March 8, 2010

A renewed call has been made to the Rivers people to embrace immunization to secure the future of their children.

The State Chief Executive, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi made the call while speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the Second Round 2010 National Immunization Plus Days Campaign in Degema, headquarters of Degema Local Government Area.
The Governor who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anthony Nwiado said the flag-off ceremony in Degema was designed to create awareness on accessing immunization services in order to prevent and control the outbreak of diseases like Tuberculosis, Measles, polio and other childhood killer diseases.

He said outbreaks of diseases are worst amongst children who were not protected through adequate immunization services and urged the Rivers people to take their children for regular routine immunization services which is free

Rt Hon. Amaechi reminded the people of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which enjoins all to protect our children from all forms of childhood diseases and commended Development Partners like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Rotary International for their financial and technical assistance.

In his remarks Dr Richard Koko of the World Health Organization said, WHO is making efforts to ensure that the World is polio free stating that Nigeria as a country has made significant progress in polio eradication efforts.

He commended the Rivers State government for its political will and commitment in turning around the health status of the people especially its efforts to ensure that the State remains polio free despite the fact that some neighboring states have recorded cases of polio.

Also speaking the Degema Local Government Chairman, Mr Abiye Davies, thanked the Governor Chibuike Amaechi led administration for the giant strides achieved in the health sector.

He said, Degema Local Government Council has provided the needed financial and logistics support to ensure the success of this round and promised to encourage routine immunization.