The newly inaugurated Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) Taskforce on Primary Healthcare (LTFPHC) has been given the responsibility to oversee the ongoing first round of National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) against Circulating Variant Polio Virus Type 2 (CVPV2) and other public health initiatives across the LGA’s 10 communities.
At the inauguration ceremony held at the Council Secretariat in Ogidi, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Supervisory Councilor for Health in Idemili North, emphasized that the taskforce’s main goal is to ensure that all public health programs are effectively implemented and reach the intended recipients without resistance or challenges. She urged the taskforce to focus on achieving seamless coverage of the polio immunization exercise, aiming for minimal dropouts compared to previous statistics.
Dr. Okeke noted that Idemili North had made significant progress in reducing the number of dropouts in previous immunization exercises, from 1,500 to 700, and had moved from the Red Bloc to the Green Bloc. She expressed optimism about achieving zero non-compliance after this round of immunization. She also acknowledged the challenge posed by the area’s large and densely populated communities but stressed that with the collaboration of the taskforce’s diverse members, the goal of zero dropouts can be realized.
In their speeches, the Deputy Mayor, Lady Phina Onwuachu, the Director of Primary Healthcare (PHC) Mrs. Chinwe Okeke, and SMO/Health Educator Mrs. OkpalaNwankwo Chinememma Ukamaka all encouraged the taskforce members to ensure effective sensitization regarding the NIPDs and other public health programs.
The taskforce is composed of a broad spectrum of representatives, including the Deputy Mayor, Supervisory Councillor for Health, Director of PHC, representatives from the social welfare and education departments, the National Orientation Agency, religious leaders, youth leaders, security agencies, partner agencies, and health professionals.
Additionally, Lady Ebere Nkwoka, wife of the Idemili North Mayor, joined the advocacy efforts for polio immunization as PHC health workers commenced the NIPDs OPV vaccination across the LGA. She urged all mothers and caregivers with children aged 0 to 59 months to ensure their children are vaccinated, regardless of prior vaccinations.
This taskforce initiative is set to strengthen Idemili North’s commitment to eradicating polio and improving public health outcomes within the local communities.
