…strengthens advocacy, enlightenment campaign
Edo State Government has appealed to parents, caregivers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other opinion leaders, to support the public enlightenment campaign to eradicate Polio Virus Type 2 amongst children and reduce childhood diseases while ensuring that every eligible child is vaccinated.
Shaibu flagged off the exercise at Iwogban Primary Healthcare Centre in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
Addressing stakeholders at the flag-off of the Synchronized Second Outbreak Response (OBR2) to the Circulating Variant Polio Virus, the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu noted that immunisation is crucial to the survival of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Deputy Governor said that children aged between 0 and 5 years would be administered two drops of the novel polio vaccine type two, alongside other antigens that are due to help eradicate the virus amongst children and reduce childhood illnesses and deaths.
“The importance of childhood immunization cannot be overemphasized. It is crucial to the survival of our children and for the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases. This occasion is to sensitize the people of the State on the importance of immunizing our children and demonstrating publicly, our support for this important exercise”, Shaibu said.
He expressed appreciation to the development partners, noting that the government with its partners would continue to allocate more resources to ensure a seamless campaign while urging parents and caregivers to ensure their eligible children are immunised against polio.
On his part, Executive Secretary, of Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, said the vaccinators and health workers will move from house to house to administer 2 drops of oral polio vaccine. They will also visit churches, mosques, schools, markets, playgrounds and other strategic places where children below 5 years of age can be found.
“It is imperative to note that polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age. There is no cure for polio. It can only be prevented, keep polio at zero. The oral polio vaccine is not harmful. It is safe, effective and given free of charge”, Dr. Omosigho added.