Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of Abia State Governor, initiated the 2024 campaign to eliminate polio in the state, kickstarting the vaccination drive in Umuoba, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Mrs. Otti emphasized the importance of the outbreak response campaign as a crucial intervention to curb the spread of the polio virus and safeguard lives.
She called on the state’s residents to actively collaborate with government and health officials throughout the campaign for its success.
She said, “we must all take responsibility for our health and safety by following the guidelines and protocols laid down by the experts.
“As the wife of the Governor of Abia state, I am fully committed to supporting this campaign and ensuring that it is successful. I call on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media, to join hands with the government in this fight against the polio virus outbreak.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, said the state government led by Governor Alex Otti, is committed to eradicating the polio virus in the state and urged all parents to ensure that their wards are vaccinated.
A representative of the World Health Organisation, Mr Jubril Akasia said the state government has shown commitment to eradicating polio virus in the state. His counterpart from United Nations Children’s Fund, Mr. Ephraim Chukwu said that vaccination is the only way to stop the virus from spreading.
They charged parents to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the government to get their children vaccinated.