Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State says his administration will take drastic measures to end open defecation and address inadequate immunization across the state.
Nwifuru made this known on Friday when a UNICEF advocacy team, led by the organizations Nigeria Chief of Field Services, Miss Judith Leveillee, paid him a visit at the Government House in Abakaliki.
The governor said he had approved UNICEF’s call for the immediate eradication of all forms of open defecation, malnutrition and poor immunization coverage in the state.
“We know the negative implications of open defecation and erratic immunization, and concrete actions must be taken to end them.
“I direct all local government chairmen to take immunization seriously.
“We will do everything within our reach to construct toilets in markets, schools and other public places,” Nwifuru said.
He noted that effective decisions and interventions could only be achieved through the collection and analysis of reliable data.
According to him, relevant agencies should deploy adequate manpower to all primary healthcare facilities in the state to collect accurate data aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare services.
Earlier, Leveillee said UNICEF had proposed the construction of 2.5 million latrines globally as part of efforts to curb open defecation.
She called for accelerated action by the Ebonyi State Government to prevent the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in the state.
“Cholera has claimed over 20,000 lives globally, but it can be prevented.
“Over the years, UNICEF has continued to support malnourished and vulnerable children, while working collaboratively to ensure that their health is protected,” she said.
Leveillee disclosed that UNICEF had contributed more than 1 million dollars to various agencies in less than three years to support health and child protection programmes.
She also said the organization had entered into a partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Identity Management Commission to advance efforts aimed at ensuring that every child has a legal identity.
