Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo on Friday inaugurated a Taskforce on National Programme on Immunisation and Polio Eradication in the state.

Inaugurating the taskforce in Owerri, the governor urged the members to see their appointment as an opportunity to contribute their quota towards the eradication of polio in the state.

He regretted the negative effects of polio on children and urged the committee to embark on massive awareness campaign against the disease.

Okorocha commended the health workers and traditional rulers for their awareness creation and enlightenment of the people particularly in rural areas.

He urged traditional rulers to organise town hall meetings to further educate their subjects on the need to immunise their children against polio.

The state's Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Obi-Njoku, said the purpose of the taskforce was to ensure effective mobilisation of children for immunisation exercise.

The taskforce has the Deputy Governor, Mr Jude Agbaso, as Chairman, while Obi-Njoku serves as secretary.

NAN