4 weeks ago
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Abia’s First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has stated that the Abia State Government is addressing the challenges facing polio meningitis in the state through increased funding, community engagement, and strengthening healthcare systems across the state.
Otti stated this in Umuahia on Friday at the occasion of “Umuahia Polio Walk 2024” of the Rotary Clubs in observance of this year’s World Polio Day, noting, “Today’s event is aimed at raising awareness about polio eradication efforts, educating people about polio symptoms, risks, and prevention, increase vaccination rates, improve public health, advocate for continued government and donor support and encouraging community involvement and engagement.
“With the symptoms of fever, vomiting, headache, sore throat, pain or stiffness in neck, back or limbs, Polio remains an infectious disease transmitted through person-to-person contact, contaminated food, water, surfaces, inhalation of droplets containing polio virus, contaminated sewage and wastewater.”
According to her, “Sadly, the contraction of this virus spurs unhealthy complications; permanent disability, paralysis, respiratory failure, and long-term muscle weakness. These complications impact an individual’s psychological well-being leading to unhappiness, depression, anger, frustration, decreased self-esteem, and social withdrawal.
“Various treatments can manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life, physical therapy, rehabilitation, supportive care, rest, hydration, pain management, etc. Let it be known that no antiviral treatment exists for polio but vaccination prevents the infection. You must adopt healthy lifestyles and practices if you must live free of this virus.”
She enumerated challenges facing Polio eradication in the state to include, “long-term complications, funding, vaccine accessibility, especially to those in remote areas, social stigma, poor sanitation and hygiene,” adding, “Interestingly, we are addressing these challenges through increased funding, community engagement, strengthening healthcare system across the state.”
She advised patients to “seek help, ask questions, and connect with others who understand.
“You are empowered today to take control of your health and well-being” and commended Rotarians, that “from economic and community development to humanitarian services, literacy and health campaigns, peace and conflict resolution, your activities align with the vision of our government and have been impactful, called for unity against polio, advising, “let us unite to eradicate polio; join the movement to create a polio-free world. We are stronger together. Let’s make a difference.”
In their various speeches, a past president of District 9142 of the Rotary Club, Grace Okaro, spoke on behalf of Rotary and Rotaract Clubs, Umuahia Zone and environs, the president, of Rotary Club, Umuahia Government House, Mrs. Love Ezema, and the Umuahia Polio Representative of Rotary Club, Umunnakwe Chinonso, thanked Mrs. Otti for honouring their invitation, assuring that Rotary and Rotaract Clubs will continue to fight polio in the state and beyond.
