Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Head of Department Health, Mrs. Callista Chimezie has
charged health workers to ensure 100% immunization of children 0 to 5
years this Second Round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPD’s).
She gave the charge while addressing focal ward persons and supervisors
at the commencement of the exercise in the area.
Mrs. Chimezie assured adequate vaccines and logistics for the 4-day
programme that started Saturday, 2nd March, 2013 and
urged them to work hard to reach out to the targeted children
population.
The HOD enjoined parents and caregivers to avail the opportunity offered
by programme and present their children for the vaccines irrespective
of immunization status to avert paralysis, deformity or death of child
due to highly infectious Wild Polio Virus (WPV).
She reiterated that two drops of life-saving Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
administered house to house, in churches, schools, health centres and
outreach post simultaneously with routine immunization at fix and
temporary health centres was a strategy to check other killer diseases
like measles, yellow fever, whooping cough, tuberculosis, diphtheria and
tetanus that could cause the death of mother or child.
Mrs. Chimezie encouraged vaccinators and recorders to put in their best
and ensure accurate markings and records of houses and children
vaccinated.
Speaking, the Local Immunization Officer, (LIO) Mr. Donatus Ohaka urged
the vaccination team to liaise with traditional rulers, community
leaders, village, religious and school heads for thorough coverage.
He stressed need for prompt report of rejection cases of OPV
administration to children by parents, caregivers, schools and faith
based organization for necessary attention.
Mr. Ohaka explained that infection of one child with WPV exposes others
to pandemia risk and called for collective efforts to sustain the free
polio status.
He appreciated joint efforts of local governments and states, the
federal government and development partners such as UNICEF, Who Health
Organization (WHO), Rotary International for Bill Gates Foundation for
continued support to eradicate polio.
