The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in Imo State has advised Imo citizens not to submit themselves and their wards to any form of immunization, saying the association has not approved any form of immunuization exercise in the state.
According to the Secretary NMA, Imo State, Dr. Dike Victor O., the association said the advise was important in view of the forced immunization in some places in the state.
The NMA had issued a statement on Wednesday, October 11 to that effect.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Medical Association, Imo State wishes to inform the General public that where as immunization is neccessary for the prevention of some killer diseases especially in Childhood, there in no officially approved immunisation programme going on in the state presently.
“As a result, parents and teachers are advised not to submit their wards to persons or group of persons for any purported form of immunisation.
“This is on the backdrop of alarm being raised about “forced immunization” in some places in the state on Wednesday 11th October, 2017.
“Similarly, The Nigerian Medical Association Imo State advises the general public to stay away from all forms of “free medical programmes” that do not have the approval of Nigerian Medical Association, while we keenly monitor events unfold.”
Meanwhile, Imo State government has also said there was no need for the immunization exercise in the state, as no case of the monkey pox virus which has created undue anxiety in the country has been reported in the state.
“However, the government is on the alert and will take the necessary action if the need arises and Imo people will duly be informed. But for now, there is no cause for any alarm. Imo is in the hand of God.”