Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state on Friday said his administration will take drastic actions against open defecation and inadequate immunisation which leads to poliomyelitis.
Nwifuru made the declaration while receiving the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) advocacy delegation led by the UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Field Services, Miss Judith Leiveliee, in his office
The governor said he has approved UNICEF’s call for immediate end to all forms of open defecation, malnutrition and inadequate immunisation which causes poliomyelitis.
“We know the negative implications of open defecation and erratic immunisation, as concrete actions towards ending them must be taken.
“I direct the Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen to take immunisation seriously.
“We will do everything within our reach to construct toilets in the markets, schools and other public places.”
He noted that right decisions and interventions can only be made when reliable data are collated and analysed.
“Relevant agencies should deploy manpower to all primary health care facilities in the state for the collation of reliable date to improve maternal and child care.
The UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Field Services, Miss Judith Leveillee, said that a total of 2.5 million latrines is being proposed by the agency across the globe, to check open defecation.
Leveiliee appealed for accelerated action from the Ebonyi government to check the reoccurrence of cholera in the state.
“Cholera has killed over 20,000 people globally and we can end it presently.
“UNICEF over the years, has stood in the gap for malnourished and poor children while collaboratively working to ensure their health is not mortgaged.
” UNICEF has contributed over $1m dollars to various agencies, in less than three years.”
She noted that UNICEF has signed a a partnership with Association of f Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Identity Commission to drive home the vision of giving children due identify.
