The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Enugu State government for being among the states in the country that are up to date in their payment of counterpart funds for the immunization of children against childhood killer diseases.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of measles immunization campaign at Uwani Cottage Hospital, Enugu, which was performed by the Enugu
State deputy governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo on behalf of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the zonal representative of WHO, Dr. Onyinye Emefiena, applauded the state government for its commitment to the programme.
She added that the state paid its counterpart fund since last October,
which made it possible for the event to take place in the state.
Noting that measles is a killer disease that has taken many lives, Dr.
Emefiena explained that through vaccines, children within the nine-month and nine-year age bracket will be immunized.
“The immunization exercise will be taking place in health centres,
schools, traditional rulers’ palaces and every other designated places
where children can be found. So mothers and caregivers should avail
their kids of this gesture,” she said.
Responding, the deputy governor reiterated the Ugwuanyi administration’s readiness to sustain the fight against measles and other childhood killer diseases in the state.
“The Enugu State government has joined forces with international
partners like the WHO and UNICEF to ensure the execution of a
state-wide campaign in all corners of our dear state. The aim is to
reach out to our children and immunize them against measles which is
often a deadly disease that contributes to high infant mortality
indices,” said Mrs. Ezeilo.
Also speaking, the UNICEF representative, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyayo,
applauded the Enugu State government for sustaining the immunization
efforts through support in the areas of logistics, training and supervision, adding that such assistance will ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe
Lawrence Agubuzu, similarly lauded the Ugwuanyi administration,
describing the commitment it has so far given to the immunization
programme since its inauguration as “unprecedented in the history of
the state”.
According to him, the attention paid to immunization in the past was
not of this magnitude, as it was usually the state commissioners of
health that flagged off immunization campaigns. “But now it is His
Excellency or his deputy that flags off immunization exercise under a conducive atmosphere.
“This shows that our governor is a leader that cares for his people,”
the monarch said.
