Ridiculous: Gov. Elechi Of Ebonyi refuses to participate in national immunization days

Governor Martin Elechi Of Ebonyi State

A group, Health Equity Nigeria, is raising alarm over the sad reality of things in Ebonyi state, South East of Nigeria, where the state government has refused to participate in the on-going National Immunization Plus Days.

The decision of the state government led by Martins Elechi not to participate is particularly worrisome considering that together with Afghanistan and Pakistan, Nigeria is one of only three countries in the world that’s yet to eradicate polio. 

The country also one of the highest infant and under-five mortality rates globally.

The federal government has made commitment to intensify efforts to eradicate polio in the country possibly by 2015. During National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), states provide some funds as well in order to ensure the distribution and administration of vaccines to children in their homes or schools. But Ebonyi state is allegedly not interested in providing counterpart funding to facilitate the NIPD process.

A statement by Dr  Laz Ude Eze, the Executive Team Lead of Health Equity Nigeria, said “We are very concerned by this development as it would make Ebonyi children vulnerable to childhood killer diseases. It may also reverse the gains made so far in the effort of the Government of Nigeria to eradicate polio in the country. Although cases of polio are predominant in the northern part of the country, relocation of people from the crisis-ridden northeast to other parts of the country makes every state vulnerable.”

The statement also pointed out that “Ebonyi State has the highest cases of childhood malnutrition and performs low in many other health indices in the Southeast. Most of the residents of the state live in rural areas many of which lack access to orthodox health service delivery.” Ude said that failure to participate in the NIPD will prevent many Nigerian children resident in Ebonyi State from getting immunized, which is unfair to the kids and “a dis-service to the nation.”

The group urged the Government of Ebonyi State to reconsider its position and act swiftly to save the children. It also called on the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu; who incidentally hails from the state; the State House of Assembly, National Assembly and all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the governor to do the needful as soon as possible in the interest of the country.