Anambra govt, WHO organize retreat for LG chairmen on PHC service delivery
By Michael Ovat
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, has decried the low level of immunization vaccines acceptance in the state.
The Commissioner stated this in Awka , on Thursday, while declaring open a one-day retreat organized in Awka, for 21 Local Government Chairmen, LG Directors of Health, Supervisors and partners on integrated Primary HealthCare (PHC) service delivery across the state.
The retreat organized by Anambra State Government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed at ensuring uptake in routine immunization, vaccine acceptance and optimal healthcare service delivery across the state and for the 21 LG Chairmen to fully take ownership of health in their various local government areas.
He regretted that despite the proven benefits of immunization, vaccine acceptance remains a critical challenge, particularly in regions like some local government areas of the state.
“Refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including misinformation, cultural beliefs, lack of trust in healthcare systems, poor awareness campaigns and fear of side effects.
“In some cases, religious doctrines and traditional practices further contribute to poor acceptance rates, leaving many communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Addressing this issue requires coordinated strategies to educate communities, build trust, and strengthen the delivery of immunization services across the state.
“We must improve on the low level of immunization vaccine acceptance in the state. The immune vaccine are well certified by the World Health Organization,” he noted.
The Commissioner further informed that the engagement meeting was to develop the institutional capacity and responsiveness required to ensure and enhance primary healthcare service delivery across the 179 communities in the state.
He urged participants at the retreat to intensify awareness campaigns on the benefits of immunization in their various council areas.
Executive Secretary State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharm. Chisom Uchem thanked the participants for their support in the healthcare of the state.
The Aguata LG Chairman, Dr. Chibueze Offorbuike who is also the ALGON Chairman in the state, who spoke on behalf of others, assured the commitment of all the 21 LG Chairmen in addressing the issues raised.
The occasion attracted all the 21 local government chairmen in the state, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Obiageli Uchebo, Traditional rulers, representatives of the World Health Organization, WHO, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the health sector.
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