By: Comrade Victor Igherighe (Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman)
Executive Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Rt Hon Pastor Oghenedoro Nelson Owoso on Friday November 11th flagged off measles immunization program for children from nine months to five years of age respectively.
The Council Boss therefore appealed to all Parents and guardians residing in the local government, to take advantage of the program noted that measles was always deadly and spread faster amongst young children during the dry season.
He thanked WHO and UNICEF for initiating the program to safeguard children from the deadly measles infection.
He also commended Delta State Governor, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his giant stride in the health sector, and noted that his administration has also keyed into the State Government initiative of “Health for all Deltans”, saying the publication of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, recorded Ethiope West Local Government among the three Local Governments that provided financial supports for Primary Health Care Program in the State last year.
He said by the time allocation to the Local Government had improved, his administration would do better by bringing to the door steps of the people quality health care in line with the Universal Basic Health Coverage (UBHC) policy.
Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care, Ethiope West Chapter, Dr Kingsley Abeke also highlighted the dangers of measles and said unlike poliomyelitis measles could deafen, blind and even kill a child.
He said that was why the State and Local Governments have made the measles immunization compulsory and free for all kids within the stipulated age, urging parents and guardians to key into the program.
Present at the flag off ceremony were the Vice-Chairman, Hon Austine Atomre; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon Sunday Amori; Ethiope West PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Obareki.
Others were: Acting Head of Personnel Management (HPM), Mr Favour Ojariafe; Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Chairman, Mr Prosper Akpoyibo; Heads of Departments (HODs) and amongst others.
