Yemi Obafemi
Abia State first lady, Mrs Pricillia Otti, has flagged-off a deworming programme with a target of deworming approximately 60,000 in-school children.
Speaking at Government House, Umuahia, the state capital, the wife of the governor disclosed that the deworming programme will focus on children between 6-14 years in both private and public schools in the state.
She described the programme, tagged, “The in-school deworming programmes” as a matter of utmost importance to countless children in the state.
“The initiative will be piloted in six local governments, namely Ohafia, Bende, Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa South, Obingwa, Osisioma with a target of deworming approximately 60,000 in-school children,” she said.
Otti who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, said their decision to deworm age 6 to 14 is demonstrate the present administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of every child in school.
“Our decision to focus on children aged 6 to14 years, was informed by research indicating that most donour agencies typically pay more attention to children between the ages 0 to 5 years.”
The first lady, who later demonstrated the programme on some children, also appreciated civil society organisations and donour agencies partnering with the government in the programme for their contributions.
The Commissioners for Education, Prof Uche Eme Uche, and health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo described the programme as a critical life saving exercise for the children.
