By; Buhari B. Bello, Jos.
Wife of Plateau Governor, Mrs Regina Lalong on Friday tasked mothers in raising healthy children as she flagg-off the 2nd round of Immunization Plus Day in the state in Pankshin Local Government.
Addressing women and children who gathered at Nefur Arena, Pankshin Town, the first lady decried the situation whereby children suffered paralysis and various ailments due to the carelessness of their parents.
“You women are expected to raise healthy children and save them from the dreaded Polio Myelitis which brings about paralysis.
“No mother should allow that to happen to any of her children but ensure that they grow up enjoying healthy and quality life being our future leaders, ’’ she admonished.
Lalong explained that the APC government led by her husband was out to give the citizens of Plateau qualitative healthcare and therefore called on women and children to avail themselves of the Polio immunization exercise.
She commended World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, E-U Prime and other donor agencies for their support and cooperation towards the health programmes of the state, especially the polio immunization programme.
Also speaking, Dr Kuden Kamshak, health Commissioner, said, ”Plateau Health Sector had never had this good since the coming of APC government and expressed gratitude to the Governor Simon Lalong for his commitment to health of the citizens.
“The reason for the 2nd round-of the immunization plus was necessitated by the two cases recorded at Goza and Jere in Borno State; this is because we in Plateau has been polio free since 2009 but we have to do something not allow a spread.’’
Alhaji Mu’azu Babangida, Emir of Kanam, in his speech, commended the state government for the initiative, which he noted would go along way in preserving the health of women and children in the state.
Babangida, who spoke through the Acting Paramount ruler of Ngas people, Mr Cyril Adams, pledged to take the enlightenment campaign to all the rural populace to be parat of the exercise.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Stephen Jings, Management Committee Chairman, Pankshin Local Government, called on the people of Pankshin to take advantage of the immunization which is free and safe.
Jings disclosed that Pankshin is the only council in the state that employed a Medical Doctor to take care of the health needs of the rural populace as a mark of the council’s seriousness on healthcare matters.
