The wife of Abia State governor, Mrs Precillia Otti, has flagged-off a deworming programme for 60,000 pupils aged between 6-14 years in both private and public schools in the state.
At the event at Government House, Umuahia, the state capital, Otti 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.
Represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, she noted that the programme signifies 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, appreciated civil society organisations and donour agencies partnering with the government in the programme for their contributions.
Speaking also, 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.
