By HeapNews
Orumba South, Anambra — As Nigeria intensifies efforts to eradicate polio, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, has urged parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination during the upcoming National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign.
Azubuike made the appeal on Thursday during the official flag-off ceremony of the immunisation exercise in the LGA, ahead of the nationwide campaign scheduled to commence on Saturday, May 3.
“According to health experts, immunisation is a vital step in boosting the health and immunity of our children in the community,” he said.
The chairman specifically called on mothers to take the campaign seriously and ensure their children receive the life-saving vaccine.
“I appeal to parents, especially mothers, to allow their children to be vaccinated during this period and protect them from the polio virus. We need to come together as a community and embrace this opportunity,” Azubuike stated.
He emphasised the commitment of the state government to child health, saying, “Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is doing everything possible to protect our children, and it is our responsibility as parents and caregivers to support this cause.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, explained that the polio vaccine is targeted at children between the ages of zero to 59 months.
“The vaccine is free, safe, and effective. It will help protect children against poliomyelitis, a deadly disease that can cripple or even kill,” Uchem said.
Lending traditional support to the campaign, Igwe Bernard Emejuo of Eziagu community praised the state government’s proactive health initiatives.
“I commend Governor Soludo for prioritising child health. As a community, we will do our part to support and ensure the success of this immunisation exercise,” the monarch said.
The immunisation campaign is part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to maintain a polio-free status and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.