...flags off immunization against cervical cancer in Nkanu West LGA

The newly renovated Orjiagu Health Centre, Agbani has been officially commissioned by the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Professor Ike Obi.

The Health Commissioner also flagged off the immunization against Human Papilloma Virus, HPV in Nkanu West LGA. The HPV, otherwise known as cervical cancer has reportedly claimed the lives of many women in the past.

Speaking at occasion, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, ENSPHCDA, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani extolled the efforts of the council chairman in the health sector. Dr. Ani pointed out that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is passionate about improving the healthcare of Enugu people, stressing that the Primary Healthcare services is very crucial in achieving a healthy economy.

"The Primary Healthcare is the first entry of healthcare to the people in the various communities. Over 70% of the people in Enugu State reside in the rural area, and this is the place where we have the opportunity to ensure a healthy population", Dr. Ani said.

She emphasized the mandate of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA to include the revitalization and reform of all the Primary Healthcare Centers in Enugu State. 

"I am indeed more than pleased to see that the Mayor of this local government has taken that initiative to ensure that all the health facilities in Nkanu land is modeled after the standard set by the Enugu State Governor to ensure quality healthcare services to our people.

"The government is also particular about hygiene, and as I walked through the renovated Orjiagu Health facility today, I found out that it met all the standards on my check list. I was able to wash my hands in one of the toilets, and that shows you that this facility is safe. 

"A modern healthcare center should be a beacon of hope to the people. It should be a place where ailments can be taken care of and pregnant women can come and access this facility. As we can see, this facility is safe, and all these have been brought to fruition by the determination, passion and hardwork of the Executive Chairman of this local government, so I say very big thank you for this hardwork", she said.

Dr. Ani who is also the Executive Secretary of ENSPHCDA hinted that in no distant time, the state government would revitalized the 260 Primary Healthcare Centers  in Enugu State to provide 24 hours healthcare delivery to the people.

Flagging off the immunization against cervical cancer, Dr. Ani noted that cervical cancer threatens womanhood and should be tackled early enough, through prevention.

Insisting that a robust economy starts with a healthy population, the representative of the Commissioner for Health stressed that the best form of preventing cervical cancer is by immunizing young girls between the ages of 9 and 13years. 

"Investing in healthcare is not just the right thing to do, but the smartest thing to do. It is in that pot of smartness that we bring you HPV vaccine. This vaccine has been around for a very long time; it has helped to prevent cervical cancer in so many females", she added.

Dr. Ani urged the people to spread the message of the preventive measure for cervical cancer provided by the HPV vaccine. According to her, "before now, it costed about #65,000 to be immunized against cervical cancer. But today, the government has provided it free of charge."

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. Uchenna Callistus Ejim, who graced the occasion with his wife, Hon. Mrs Onyinyechi Ejim thanked God for giving him his administration the wisdom to touch lives. He said that his motive to resuscitate the Orjiagu Health Centre was fueled by the passion he has to meet the needs of his people.

Ejim stated that his administration has the intention to replicate this same achievement in all the fourteen political wards of Nkanu West LGA. 

"We met a very dilapidated structure, but because we are following the lead of our dear Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah who insists that every citizen should be able to access healthcare services within 3km from his or her residence.

The Chairman who assured that his administration will not relent in giving maximum support to the health department, also mentioned some of his achievements in other sectors to include construction of 3.7km double drainage channels at Obinagu Uwani, waiting asphalting, construction of umuokwuo-Amigbo Akgbe bridge, construction of security tower, with 40 surveillance cameras at Agbani Divisional Police Command, organizing free holidays lesson for primary and secondary school pupils at the four development centres in Nkanu West and giving scholarships to 24 best performed students.

Others include the construction of 33 culverts and mounting of solar lights across the 14 political wards on Nkanu West among others.

Also speaking earlier, the head of health department in Nkanu West LGA, Mrs Eunice Ogbodo narrated how her relation once died of cervical cancer, and expressed delight that the vaccine which was hitherto expenses, is now being given free of charge.

She noted that the vaccine, which is safe, effective is now available free of charge at all the health centers in Nkanu West LGA.

The Ofgicer in charge, OIC, Orjiagu Health Centre, Edeh Ephraim while appreciating the council chairman for reviving the health facility stated that "today is a memorable day in Orjiagu Health Centre as it marks the first day we are hosting highly placed dignitaries since the establishment of this health facility 15 years ago.

"When the Mayor showed interest in renovating this center, I thought it was one of those empty political promises. But to my greatest surprise, you can see what we are witnessing today. 

The health center was a dilapidated and desolate place. The ruin before now was enormous and scary. Previous chairmen of the local government run away after assessing the level of renovation needed. So, this is the first time the local government is giving attention to Orjiagu Health Center and we are very grateful and indebted to Hon Uchenna Ejim for taking the bull by the horn", he said.

Edeh added that "in the politics of Nigeria, such kind of man (Uche Ejim) is very rare to find".

He requested for additional workforce to match the current improved capacity of the health center. 

While giving a vote of thanks, the traditional ruler of Orjiagu Agbani Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Nnabuike Ejim thanked Hon. Uchenna Ejim for rising up to the responsibility of his office. He assured that his community will play their role in ensuring that the health center is well maintained.

Other notable individuals who were present at the occasion are the Secretary to Nkanu West local government, Hon Sunday Modecaiah Edeh, the Leader of Nkanu West Legislative arm, Hon. John Okorie, the 14 councilors of Nkanu West LGA, Supervisors, Special Advisers among others.