By Nnedinma Okeke :
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) along with its partner agencies has paid a solidarity visit to some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of flooding in the state.
The visit was also used to vaccinate children and adults at the Hon. Chukwuka Onyema IDPs Camp, Iyowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA).
The Executive Secretary, Dr. Chioma Ezenyimulu noted that the essence of the visit was to show solidarity while ensuring that the children were immunized against Measles and other infections.
She said that the Measles Vaccination Campaign has been flagged off in the State during which children of nine to 59 months would be vaccinated while adults above 18 years would be vaccinated against COVID-19 infection.
“There will also be free Birth Registration for Children under 5 years of age.”
The Executive Secretary explained that Measles is a contagious disease which spreads in an over crowded environment.
“The IDP Camp due to overcrowding unfortunately is a breeding ground for Measles infection, that is why we have come to immunize the children against Measles and other vaccine preventable illnesses.
“For the adults; 18 years and above, we have the COVID-19 Vaccine which is to protect them from the COVID-19 disease.
“We are here with different vaccines against Polio, Tuberculosis (TB), Yellow Fever, Meningitis and diphtheria as well as vaccination cards to ensure that it is well documented. This is to ensure that no child is lost to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
“We are here with some edible and hygiene items for children and adults which will be handed to the leadership of the Camp. This is to commiserate with you and show solidarity in your present predicament due to the floods.”
She, then, expressed gratitude that the flood waters were receding and people were gradually returning to their homes.
The State Health Educator (SHE), ASPHCDA, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina added that they were at the IDPs Camp to ensure that all eligible children would be vaccinated in the state’s ongoing Integrated Measles campaign as it was important that no child was missed.
She emphasized that the campaign was in two phases because of the flood affected communities.
“The first phase is from 1st to 9th November in 17 LGAs to include; Aguata, Anaocha, Awka South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Orumba South, Orumba North and Oyi LGAs.
“This also includes some Wards in Ogbaru, Okpoko ward one to six.
“The second phase of the Measles campaign will be for the remaining four LGAs to include; Anambra East, Anambra West, Awka North, Ayamelum and the remaining wards in Ogbaru. It will hold from 15th to 23rd November 2022,” she explained.
Mr. Patrick Amechi Oputa, Secretary of the IDPs Camp while praying for God’s blessings upon the members of the team, thanked them for their kindness and Humanitarian services.
“The flood affected each and every one of us here, but we thank God and are grateful that our lives are protected from the disaster,” he said.
An IDP staying at the camp, Mr. Michael Obaze an indigene of Odekpe in Ogbaru LGA expressed gratitude to the ASPHCDA team and Hon. Chukwuka Onyema for helping them with the camp which he has benefited from.
He prayed that God would reward Hon. Onyema the ASPHCDA team while granting them the meditations of their heart.
“We the IDPs here are cooperating and living as one family. At first I thought it wouldn’t be pleasant staying here but it turned out well as I have met lots of people and made friends too.”
