By Dave Ukah
The Ebonyi state government has solicited the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in checking the shortage of COVID19 vaccines in the state.
Governor David Umahi represented by his Deputy, Dr Eric Igwe made the request while receiving the Director, USAID Health Population and Nutrition Office, Mr Paul McDermott at his office in Abakaliki
He said that the state government has made maximum use of assistance they so far received from them and solicited for provision of more nutrients to cushion the effects of lack of supply occasioned by the Russian- Ukraine war..
"We seek the donation of more vaccines from USAID and it's intervention in enhancing the supply of our nutrient value affected by low supply from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The governor who said his administration has given priority to the health needs of the people .
said that the bill for the establishment of a drug management agency will soon be passed into law by the state House of Assembly.
" Health is wealth and any nation deprived of good health is almost a dead nation. For our State , it's one of the our priorities, we have put in place all necessary marcinaries to achieve results. On assumption of office we ensured the establishment of Primary Health Centres in the one hundred and seventy one wards where people could get first aid before seeking further attention from secondary facilities."
"Interviews have been conducted to engage the best health personnel who would be sent to various primary and secondary health facilities in the state.
"We have also provided ambulances at various primary health care centres and upgraded such facilities for effective service delivery
He noted that the state is a good partner of USAID and despite inherent challenges, occasioned by
low federal allocation, the state still strives to enhance other sectors of its existence.
Earlier, the team leader and Director, USAID Health Population and Nutrition Office, Mr McDermott expressed satisfaction that programs they embarked upon in the state have made tremendous impact and gave an assurance that they would continue to work closely with the State to improve the health and lives of the people.
He said the USAID team is interested in finding out the challenges and progress of Covid 19 Vaccination as well as to review implementation of the on going programmes and activities in the State.
"I urged the state government and other relevant partners to work towards overcoming the hindrances millitating against the uptake of COVID 19 vaccines in the state and meet the desired targets.
"We visited health facilities in several communities and were encouraged with impressed with our interactions with community leaders, project leaders and other stakeholders.
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