C-Advocate Newspaper has commended the Imo state Government for the launch of the state’s Immunization Oversight Committee, an initiative expected to strengthen vaccine access across the state’s 27 council areas.
C-Advocate recalls that in its May 6 report, the newspaper reported that the lack of counterpart funding from the Imo State government has significantly hindered vaccine progress and immunization efforts, creating systemic challenges that undermine public health outcomes.
C-Advocate however confirms that in what appeared like a reaction to our report, and an effort to strengthen public health and expand vaccine coverage in the state, the Immunization State Oversight Committee — also known as the Immunization Task Force — was formally inaugurated by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s wife, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Mrs Uzodinma’s office complex, marked the official constitution of the committee whose mandate is to ensure equitable vaccine accessibility, track immunization performance, and develop community-based strategies to improve uptake across the council areas.
Chaired by Mrs Uzodimma herself, the Multi-sectoral Committee brings together key figures in the State’s Health Sector, Traditional Institutions, and Global Health Partners. Members include Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Social Services and Health Insurance; Rev. Sr. Dr. Maria-Joaness Uzoma – Executive Secretary, Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Dr. Uchechukwu Odom , the state’s Director, Disease Control and Immunization.
Others are Dr. Kingsley Akakuru. Director, Logistics and Essential Drugs; Dr. Okoroma
Chibuzo, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Onyejeme Calista, the Director, Primary Healthcare Coordinators, Mr. Kalu Ugonna, the Assistant State Immunization Officer, and Mrs. Chinwe Abanobi , the Social Mobilization Officer.
Still others are Mrs. Olodia Dorcas Joel – Program Assistant (Corona Management
Systems), representing partners; Dr. Watzingi William Bassey – the WHO State Coordinator; HRH Eze Lucky Okoro, the Secretary, Imo Council of Traditional Rulers and Mrs. Bibian Okere, the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health.
In her Remarks, Dr. Uzodimma highlighted the urgency of addressing lingering gaps in Immunization Coverage, particularly in Rural and hard-to-reach Communities.
“Our Goal is clear — to protect every Imo Child and Citizen from preventable diseases through sustained and inclusive immunization programs.
“This Committee is not symbolic; it is strategic. I urge every member to think outside the box and act with urgency “, she said.
C-Advocate therefore welcomes the move while commending the state government for its swift response to the call counterpart funding and other logistics in line with the WHO’s universal health plan.
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