Chairman Flags Off Immunisation Programme In Bakassi

The Chairman of Bakassi local government area in Cross River State, Mr.  Effiong Etim Okon, has flagged off the 2026 immunisation days in the local government area to tackle the high rate of infant mortality.

Speaking at the Ikpri Ikang community in the Bakassi local government area yesterday, while flagging off the event, the council chairman, Effiong Etim Okon, expressed gratitude to mothers who turned out with their children, emphasising the importance of the exercise in meeting primary healthcare needs.

The chairman stated that flagging off the ceremony marks the beginning of a crucial healthcare initiative to address the high infant mortality rate in the area.

“Bakassi Local Government attaches great importance to this exercise as a basis for securing primary health care needs of the local government,”  Okon said.

The immunisation program targets children aged 9 months to 12 years, with a focus on riverine fishing settlement zones in Bakassi.

He urged mothers to take advantage of the program to protect their children from diseases.

Also speaking, the Primary Health Care (PHC) coordinator for Bakassi Local Government Area, Mr Bassey Eyo Antai, commended the state government, donor agencies and the chairman for creating an enabling environment for the program.

“We appreciate the support and commitment of our partners in making this initiative a success,” he said.

Traditional rulers in the area also pledged to mobilise mothers and break traditional barriers to the program.

His Highness Etinyin Ekpenyong Adim, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs for Obutong and Edik Idim, promised to sensitise traditional rulers to support the initiative.

The chairman, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon, immunised a child to kick-start the exercise, symbolising the local government’s commitment to primary healthcare. The initiative aims to protect children from diseases and promote public health in the area.

The immunisation program is expected to cover children in hard-to-reach areas, including riverine communities. The local government is working with healthcare professionals to ensure the initiative’s success.