The former governor of Imo State, The Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha has urged Imolites to do everything humanly possible to protect children from all manner of attacks particularly, from the recent outbreak of the deadly diphtheria infection.
In a letter personally signed by him and made available to journalists, Ihedioha noted thus “I have followed actively the ongoing infectious disease outbreak in parts of our state”.
He showed concern and compassion to the children already affected as well as felt the challenges and excruciating pains the parents/ guardians are passing through. He said, “My heart goes out to the families who have lost their precious children to this disease outbreak. May the Almighty God console you all”.
Omenkeahuranya acknowledged the efforts of all institutions which in one way of the other have been working assiduously to fight the outbreak.
According to him, “I appreciate our government officials, traditional rulers, town union executive, religious leaders, indigenous health professionals and all leaders of thought at various levels who have worked tirelessly in raising awareness and making useful contacts towards containing this unfortunate disease outbreak”.
He added, “As we’ve been informed, the infectious disease outbreak was caused by diphtheria, a bacterial infection that mainly affects young children. It is completely preventable by administering the full doses of the vaccines to our newborns”.
Ihedioha observed a likely reason for DTP attack and called for effective and collective efforts towards its eradication. He said, “This outbreak now clearly shows that there are some children in our homes who have never received the DTP vaccine or did not receive the complete three doses of it for full effectiveness, referred to as zero-dose children. Some parents, painfully, have been neglecting this important task of presenting their newborns for childhood immunization according to the NPI schedule. Let’s learn from this unfortunate incident and comply henceforth with all health advisories as they are scientifically proven. The disease is also said to be treatable when identified early and appropriate therapy is instituted. This means that we are not in a hopeless situation.
“I therefore urge all citizens not to panic but to cooperate with the health authorities as they work diligently to contain this outbreak. Please, do as the professionals instructs: Let’s follow science even as we pray to Almighty God for divine protection and healing. Let’s avoid unproven remedies that may cause further complications for those affected. We should, as a people, pay greater attention to personal and environmental hygiene, including proper aeration of homes to avoid overcrowding, as prevention is always cheaper, easier and better than a cure. We should also visit health facilities for proper medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.
In his words,”this one, too, shall surely pass. We shall overcome”.
