CALABAR — Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State was honoured on Saturday along side other Governors as Cross River emerged top State in the immunization coverage recording improved scorecards in all vaccination activities as well as setting standards in the operations of Primary Healthcare Agency in the country.
This is part of the week long activities to mark the 2022 Africa Immunization Week organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with health care partners to encourage states meet their immunization benchmark in all Local Government Areas.
Speaking after the presentation of the awards, His Excellency Sen. Prof Ben Ayade represented by the National Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Dr Betta Edu said it was a thing of honour to distinguish Cross River State from every other states in the South South region , noting that, the state has always been a formidable force to be reckoned with in Primary and Secondary health care service delivery since the early days of the Senator Ben Ayade’s administration.
She congratulated and appreciated the Governor for always prioritizing health and for all the investment and innovations which are yield results.
She thanked the Federal Government for its supports and contributions to the evolving health status of the country, noting that, in the nearest future, Nigeria will become the leading health providing nation in Africa and major player in the global health policy framework.
She praised the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong and the entire health team, for always being result oriented.
In her response, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet David Ekpenyong accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara and the Director of Immunization Services, Mrs Joy Chabo expressed their appreciation for the honour as she appreciated His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade and his dear wife, Dr. Linda Ayade for their continued support to the health sector. She also appreciated the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Ejemot Esu for leadership as the Chairman Task team on Immunization.
The DG outlined the numerous parameters for the success attained and how the state ascertained it’s top spot.
She noted that the collective contributions of health workers in the state and their selfless disposition to duties are some of the cardinal factors which has driven immunization campaign messages to all regions irrespective of physical and environmental barriers in the state. She thanked them profusely for their sacrifice.
Ekpenyong also noted and appreciated the contributions of religious and traditional leaders, CSOs, and stakeholders from all sectors who played a huge role to this success.
She promised that the state will continue to do it’s best to ensure Nigeria’s certification of a vaccine compliant state eradicate vaccine preventable deaths in the country.
