The Ebonyi Primary Healthcare Development Agency, under the Ministry of Health, has targeted Ohaukwu and Onicha Local Government Areas for intensified routine vaccination to improve immunisation coverage across the state.
The State Immunisation Officer, Mr. Solomon Elom, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interaction with reporters in Abakaliki, noting that the areas were identified as low-performing in routine immunisation.
He said the intervention aims to strengthen immunisation services, reach zero-dose children, and accelerate progress toward improved vaccination coverage in underperforming communities.
Elom explained that Ohaukwu and Onicha LGAs were selected because they did not meet the 95 percent national immunisation coverage benchmark required for effective disease prevention.
Vaccination activities are currently ongoing in the targeted areas to boost uptake and close identified gaps in service delivery.
He commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru for improving healthcare services through the employment of more health workers to support effective immunisation delivery.
Elom urged parents to present their children for vaccination, emphasizing that immunisation is safe, effective, and provided free of charge at designated health facilities.
He also appreciated development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Rotary Club, for their continued support and collaboration in immunisation efforts.
Mr. Chinedu Nwigwe, Project Director of the Rotary Club of Abakaliki South, said the club was aligning with African Vaccination Week to promote awareness of the life-saving importance of vaccines.
Nwigwe noted that Rotary International has remained a key partner in immunisation campaigns, particularly in polio eradication efforts, and urged communities to embrace vaccination for their children’s health and protection.
