In effort to safeguard children against the dangers of polio, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State, John Chukwuma Ogbodo, on Tuesday, May 5, 2025, officially flagged off the first round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign at the Council Secretariat in Agbani.
The immunization exercise, targeted at eradicating the Circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2), was organized by the Nkanu West Local Government Health Authority in partnership with the Enugu State Primary Health Development Agency (ESPHCDA), the State Ministry of Health, and development partners including WHO and UNICEF.
Addressing stakeholders, health officials, and community leaders at the event, Hon. Ogbodo underscored the importance of routine immunization in securing the health of the next generation. He passionately urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to ensure that all children aged 0 to 59 months are vaccinated, emphasizing that “prevention is better than cure.”
Hon. Ogbodo also used the occasion to commend the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to improving primary healthcare across the state. He equally praised the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, for his hands-on approach and sustained efforts in strengthening public health systems and promoting community-level interventions.
“This campaign reflects the proactive leadership of Governor Mbah and the dedication of Prof. Ikechukwu Obi to ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases,” the Chairman said.
Providing technical insight into the campaign, the Secretary of the Nkanu West Health Authority, Dr. Collins Okafor, noted that the polio immunization will run in two phases. He explained that the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) administration will last from May 3 to 6, 2025, with an additional two days for mop-up activities. The vaccination teams, he said, will operate from house to house, and also visit churches, markets, schools, and primary health centres to reach every eligible child.
Dr. Okafor further encouraged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the services provided at Primary Health Centres within the local government to ensure no child misses out.
The event witnessed the participation of key stakeholders including the Vice Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. Friday Nnamani; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Prince Onochie Igwesi; the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Nick Aniwagu; State Technical Facilitator, Mrs. Chinasa Jennifer Okeke; the Local Immunization Officer, Mrs. Stella Anih; as well as representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and other partner agencies.
The flag-off marked a crucial step in the state-wide effort to eliminate polio, reaffirming the local government's commitment to child health and community wellness.
