TCNews

By Our Reporter

Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu has charged Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers to mobilize and enlighten their people on the need to present themselves for the ongoing COVID 19 vaccination and other vaccines for preventable diseases.

Flagging off the 2nd Phase Vaccine Of Moderna And Astrazeneca vaccine against COVID 19, at the Government House, Umuahia, during a meeting with the State Immunization Task force and Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Sir Oko Chukwu pointed out that the importance of COVID-19 vaccination cannot be overemphasized as it does not only protect and keep the person vaccinated healthy but the family, community and beyond.

The Deputy Governor who pointed out that the 2nd Phase Vaccine of Morderna and Astrazeneca was for those that have already taken the first dose of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID 19 while those that have not taken before can also be given the first dose.

He used the forum to laud Health workers and Abians in general who contributed to the topmost rating of Abia in the first phase of the COVID 19 vaccination and other immunization exercises conducted across the State and reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s led administration to keep Abians healthy through  robust policies. 

In his presentation, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Chinagozi Adindu said that they have sufficient quantity of the vaccine which is a potent tool in protecting oneself against COVID-19.

He was against discouraging people who are ready to present themselves for vaccination through false rumours and appealed to Government at all levels to assist the agency and health workers in the area of payment of counterparts funds and logistics. 

Lending his voice, a representative of WHO and other Development Partners, Mrs Chigbo Ogechukwu who stressed the need for people to come out and take the vaccination which has already been sent to the  State to avoid possible withdrawal, commended the State Government  for remaining immunization and vaccination friendly.

Speaking on behalf of Chairmen of Local Government Areas, the Chairman of Isiala Ngwa North, Chief Chinedu Ochulor whose Council Area ranked first on coverage for COVID 19 phase 1, said he achieved success by encouraging and mobilizing his people to present themselves for vaccination against COVID 19 with the help of his councillors, traditional rulers and stakeholders.

Some Staff of the Office of Deputy Governor were vaccinated during the event, while the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji represented by his Permanent Secretary, Deaconess Franca Ekwueme, Local Government Chairmen, Top Government Officials, Health Workers and other stakeholders in Health related matters were present during the meeting.