Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
In a renewed effort to eradicate polio, the Abia State Government has launched a targeted vaccination drive in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ABSPHCDA), Dr. Kalu U. Kalu, disclosed this in his address during the World Polio Day celebration in Umuahia. He listed the benefiting LGAs as Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South.
According to him, the exercise aims to ensure that all children under five years receive essential antigens, including the polio vaccine.
“Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals and partners — the WHO — will work tirelessly to reach every household in these designated wards, particularly in areas that remain underserved,” he said.
Dr. Kalu, who cited this year’s theme, “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere,” emphasized the need for continued vigilance and collective action in the global campaign against polio.
“This is a call to ensure that no child is paralyzed in Abia State and the whole world at large,” he added.
Describing polio as a major public health concern that has caused widespread suffering and disability for decades, the ABSPHCDA boss urged stakeholders to sustain joint efforts to eradicate the disease.
He commended Governor Alex Otti for his continued investment in the state’s health sector and appreciated development partners including WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International for their relentless contributions.
“We thank Governor Otti for investing in health infrastructure, which has strengthened the health system and helped us reach more children, achieving broader health benefits,” he said.
Dr. Kalu further highlighted vaccination as critical in the fight against polio and urged Abia residents to support the ongoing campaign.
He noted that since the global polio eradication initiative was launched in 1988, vaccination efforts have significantly reduced polio cases and prevented an estimated 20 million cases of paralysis in children worldwide.
He called on community leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens to promote awareness and participation in vaccination exercises.
In her remarks after an awareness march to mark the celebration, a former District Governor of Rotary International, Mrs. Onyinyechi Ralph Nwachukwu, reminded residents that polio is preventable, urging parents to vaccinate their children.
“Forget about the conspiracy theories you are hearing. There is nothing in them. If you do not immunize your child and anything happens, you will be held liable,” she warned.
She assured that the polio vaccine is safe and free, encouraging parents to visit any health centre in Abia State for vaccination.
Mrs. Nwachukwu also commended WHO, Rotary International, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system and sustaining the fight against polio.
