By Emeka Amaefula
ABANDONED AT BIRTH — SAVED BY THE STATE: GOVERNOR UZODINMA TURNS TRAGEDY INTO HOPE FOR IMO CHILD ABANDONED OVER RARE HEALTH CONDITION
A nine-month-old baby girl abandoned in the bush at the age of four months shortly after birth because of a congenital condition has been rescued by the Imo State Government, transforming what began as a story of despair into a powerful display of compassion and responsible governance under Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The infant, born with imperforate anus—a correctable condition in which the normal opening for stool passage fails to develop—was left to fate after her parents and some community members interpreted her condition through fear and misinformation. Months of neglect followed until her case was brought to light at the Emii Primary Health Centre in Owerri North LGA.
Acting swiftly, Governor Uzodimma directed that the child be fully enrolled under the state’s Health Insurance Programme. The Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) has now taken complete responsibility for her medical treatment, including the corrective surgery scheduled for next week—entirely free of charge.
During an inspection visit to the health centre, Executive Secretary and CEO of IMSHIA, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, expressed deep concern for the child and reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to protect vulnerable children across Imo State.
“No child in Imo State should suffer simply because they were born with a medical condition,” he said. “Governor Uzodimma created this insurance programme so that our most vulnerable—children like this—can get life-saving treatment without their families paying a kobo.”
He noted that the Governor’s consistent financial backing has strengthened the Agency’s ability to respond to emergency cases while advancing the ongoing 2.7-million-resident enrolment drive under the ImoCare Health Insurance Scheme.
“The Governor’s vision is for every resident—rich or poor—to have access to quality healthcare. This case shows that the system is working,” Dr. Ewelike added.
Concerned about the child’s fragile state beyond medical needs, Dr. Ewelike immediately reached out to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, requesting additional welfare and daily-care support.
“Health insurance covers the surgeries and medical procedures, but this baby also needs food, care and safe shelter while we prepare for surgery,” he said. “She needs love and support—not just medicine.”
The Commissioner assured him that the case would be presented to the First Lady, Her Excellency Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, known for her strong advocacy for children and vulnerable persons.
The Officer in Charge of the Emii Primary Health Centre, Nurse Clara Iwuagwu, who courageously escalated the case, explained that the child was initially abandoned at the age of four months due to misconceptions about her condition. Her timely action has now positioned the baby for lifesaving surgery, rehabilitation and possible adoption.
The intervention by Governor Uzodimma’s administration underscores Imo State’s renewed commitment to child welfare and accessible healthcare. In rescuing this infant, the Government has demonstrated the profound impact of a functioning health insurance system backed by political will and compassion.
What began as a tragedy for a helpless child has now become a story of hope, protection and a second chance at life—courtesy of the State that chose to care.
——–Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813069—-
