Abia launches ‘Remind Me’ to improve immunisation coverage

By Asma’u Ahmad

The Abia State Government in partnership with William Coley Hub Africa has launched a programme that would provide an automated reminder for immunisation and maternal care routines and vaccination for people in rural and urban areas.

The initiative known as ‘Remind Me’, was launched in Umuahia, the state capital by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Represented by Dr John Ahukannah, the state Commissioner for Health, the governor said the programme was specifically tailored for pregnant mothers and under-five children.

He urged pregnant mothers and their children to avail themselves of the services, adding that maternal and child health remained a top priority in primary health care in the state. He thanked William Foley Hub Africa and Each One, Aid One Foundation, for collaborating with government on the novel initiative.

Earlier, Dr Chinagozi Adindu, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), said that it was an innovation centre for vaccine and healthcare delivery. He said that the programme which was in collaboration with MTN Foundation was structured in a way that each child would have a unique identity.

“It is a free donation to the state and is aimed at reminding mothers on the days of their children’s immunisation and the closest facility where they can assess the needed service.

Mr Tochukwu Egesi, the Chief Executive Officer, William Foley Hub Africa, said that that ‘Remind Me’ achieved its aim through USSD (*347*01#) and SMS technology for registration and reminders, respectively.

According to him, it provides information on the nearest hospital that has a particular vaccine to mothers using Geo-tapping technology.

Newsmen report that the highlights of the ceremony are the distribution of two flying boats by the governor to Ukwa East and West Local Government Areas for immunisation in the riverine areas.

The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, was at the ceremony honoured as the Ambassador of Immunisation in Nigeria by the state health team