The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to accessible and quality healthcare delivery for all residents of the state, in line with the ARISE Agenda of the current administration.
Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, gave the assurance in Uyo the State CapitaL, during the official flag-off of the National Immunisation Plus Days, organized by the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners.
Senator Eyakenyi described timely vaccination as the most effective health intervention for protecting children from preventable diseases such as polio. She emphasized that the campaign aims to ensure sustainable and reliable delivery of immunization services to children within the target age bracket.
“The goal of routine immunisation is to ensure every child receives the required vaccines on time, especially against diseases like polio, which can lead to paralysis and deformity—particularly in malnourished and unimmunised children,” she stated.
Senator Eyakenyi assured that the vaccines were safe, effective, and administered free of charge across the state. The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, urged caregivers to take children aged 0–59 months to the nearest health facility or outreach post for the vaccination.
She also called for the active involvement of Local Government Chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the campaign, which runs from Saturday, May 3 to Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, emphasized that vaccination was key to preventing diseases, disabilities, and deaths among children.
He reassured the public of Governor Umo Eno’s administration’s commitment to inclusive healthcare, noting ongoing reforms to ensure compliance with immunization policies.The event was attended by health professionals, traditional leaders, caregivers, children, and representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and NPHCDA.
