Efio-Ita Nyok|30 January 2016|4:45am
The 2016 measles immunization campaign was flagged-off by His Excellency, Sen. (Prof) Ben Ayade who was represented by His Excellency, Prof. Ivara Esu, Deputy Governor of CRS, on 28 January 2016, in company of Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade at Ikot Offiong Ambai, Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
Dr. Betta Edu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community & Primary Healthcare in her message informed dignatories, health stakeholders and other participants at the flag-off of her various advocacy visits and massive mobilisation done across the state to ensure the state meets the 100% target coverage. She noted that advocacy was taken to the State House of Assembly for state consituencies moblization, Commisioner of Local Government Affairs in a bid to inform the 18 LGA's Chairmen of the exercise, CRBC, Christian Association of Nigeria to ensure all churches across the state join in the mobilisation. She also took the advocacy exercise to the Muslim Community, Market Women and the Press to ensure the message of immunization get across the nooks and cranies of Cross River State. According to her the exercise will last for 5 days, and all Children between the ages of 9 months to 5 years must be immunized at health facilities and vaccination posts. She promised 100% success target in the 2016 exercise in the state. She adviced Health Workers against multiple immunization and called on them to do proper documentation in the cards.
Thes Wife of the Governor Dr.(Mrs.) Linda Ayade in her speech noted that the routine immunization programme is very effective in preventing measle outbreak in Calabar. According to her, CRS has a great measles immunization coverage as no death related case has been reported recently. She gave kudos to Primary Health Department for their proactive steps taken towards prevention of disease outbreaks. She assured the people of government's commitment to their well-being by providing quality healthcare services. Finally she eulogizes the effort of Commissioner of Health , Special Adviser on Community Health, Partners from WHO, UNICEF, EU SIGN, TULSI CHANRAI FOUNDATION, CAN etc who made the outing possible. She reminded people about Lassa Fever danger in the country as she urged everyone to take preventive measures by keeping their environment clean and rodent free.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu in his remarks acknowledged the effort of the state health team and reminded them of the State Governor's resolve to provide quality Health Services to Cross Riverians through private public partnership with health investors who are already in the state to invest. He informed the people of state Government readiness to introduce State Health Insurance Scheme that will provide free medical treatment of any ailment for tax paying Cross Riverians and non Cross Riverians. Finally the Deputy Governor commended the Commissioner of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyang Asibong and S.A Community Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Betta Edu describing them as courageous and energetic women. He commended their drive to provide quality health in the state. As the state Task Chairman on Immunization, he promise not to miss any review meeting as he acknowledges the Measles Awareness campaign as the best he has ever seen in his life time.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & the Editor of Negroid Haven effioitanyok@gmail.com
