A call has gone to parents and care givers to take full advantage of the Maternal New Born and Child Health Week to immunize their children irrespective of previous immunization status against diseases, deformity and death.
The Deputy Head of Department Health Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Mrs. Chidinma Nkwocha made the call at the kick-off of the exercise in the area, Wednesday 21st November, 2012.
She said the weeklong programme would feature Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) administration, Vitamine A Supplement and deworning for children under 5 years.
Speaking, the Local Immunization Officer (LIO), Mr. Donatus Ohaka stated that routine vaccination would also be given at the health centres and outreach posts and advised parents to present their children 0-11 months with their immunization cards.
Mr. Ohaka urged pregnant mothers to avail the opportunity and comply with the recommended dosage of Tetanus Toxide (TT) to avert muscular spasms, rigidity or death at child birth.
Confirming the efficacy of the vaccines, the LGA Social Mobilization Officer, Mr. George Umunakwe said they drugs are free and without side effects.
He appreciated donor agencies, the federal state and governments for sustaining immunization programme and appealed for the collaboration of traditional rulers, community leaders and faith based organisations in the campaign against infant and maternal morbidity/mortality
