The Ebonyi Primary Healthcare Development Agency under the Ministry of Health has targeted Ohaukwu and Onicha local government areas for intensified routine vaccination coverage to improve immunisation performance across the state.

The State Immunisation Officer, Solomon Elom, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interaction with journalists in Abakaliki, noting that the areas were identified as low-performing in routine immunisation coverage.

He said the intervention was aimed at strengthening routine immunisation services, reaching zero-dose children, and accelerating progress toward improved vaccination coverage in underperforming communities.

Mr Elom explained that Ohaukwu and Onicha LGAs were selected because they did not achieve the 95 per cent national immunisation coverage benchmark required for effective disease prevention.

According to him, vaccination activities are currently ongoing in the affected areas to boost immunisation uptake and close identified gaps in service delivery.

He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for improving healthcare services through the employment of more health workers across facilities to support effective immunisation delivery in the state.

Mr Elom also urged parents to present their children for vaccination, emphasising that immunisation was safe, effective, and provided free of charge at designated health facilities.

He appreciated development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Rotary Club, for their continued support and collaboration in immunisation efforts.

In his remarks, project director of the Rotary Club of Abakaliki South, Chinedu Nwigwe, said the club was aligning with African Vaccination Week to promote awareness of the life-saving importance of vaccines.

Mr Nwigwe said Rotary International remained a key partner in immunisation campaigns, particularly polio eradication efforts.

He also urged communities to embrace vaccination for their children’s health and protection. 

(NAN)