WE WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO ZERO TOLERANCE FOR POLIO–AIYEDATIWA
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WE WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO ZERO TOLERANCE FOR POLIO–AIYEDATIWA
…As Governor launches 2025 National Immunization Days in Akure
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on stakeholders in the health sector to support his administration in ensuring that all vaccine-preventable diseases are totally eradicated in Ondo state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the call while launching the 2025 National Immunisation plus days at the Mother and child hospital, Oke-aro, Akure.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fashoranti, the governor noted that Ondo had been adjudged one of the high performing states in polio eradication and was determined to maintain the status.
“Since the inception of our administration, we have continuously supported the NIPDs and other Supplemental Immunization Exercises (SIAs) which is why Ondo State has consistently been ranked among the best performing states, not only in the South Western zone but among the Non High Risk (NHR) States as a whole.
“This unquantifiable support is in line with our health policy that Routine Immunization (RI) activities in all our health facilities must be fortified to improve not only the coverage of Oral Polio vaccination in our State but all other antigens given as part of the Routine Immunization schedule at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks and 9 months after birth.”
“In spite of the economic situation amidst other competing demands, we have not rested on our oars to ensure regular funding of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency in order for it to stimulate the 18 Local Government Areas Primary Healthcare Authorities to live up to its responsibility of effectively curtailing Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in our State. By so doing, the neonatal as well as children under one year morbidity and mortality rate has been significantly reduced”.
Governor Aiyedatiwa called on mothers and caregivers to present children from age zero to five years for vaccination during the immunisation programme which kicks off Saturday, May 3, 2025
“Here in Ondo State, we remain committed to zero tolerance for polio. Our health workers will be going from house to house, visiting markets, churches, schools and rural community to reach every eligible child. I urge all parents, caregivers and community leaders to cooperate fully.”
In a remark, the permanent secretary, Ondo state primary healthcare development agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu also charged mothers to cooperate fully with health workers as they move round houses, markets, churches, and other places with significant population of children.
According to Akanbiemu, “the purpose of these vaccines is to ensure that our children are protected against diseases that can cut their lives short. Ondo state is always tanked high in most of the immunisation programmes conducted in Nigeria and I believe that this one will not be an exemption.
The permanent secretary appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his relentless efforts in ensuring that the state ranks high in all health programmes and for strengthening the health sector for effective performance.
“Ondo state is performing well in immunisation programmes because of the regular support of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who has prioritize the health of the people of the state” Akanbiemu said.
The Director, disease control and Immunisation in the agency, Dr Victor Adefesoye explained that children would be administered with oral polio vaccine, Vitamin A and other antigens as part of routine immunisation for children under five.
In separate goodwill messages, the acting state representative of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Ibrahim Adebayo and that of Rotary club, Dr Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare while applauding Ondo state for safeguarding the health of children through vaccination enjoined mothers to present their babies for the immunisation programme.
Two mothers Mrs Kehinde Faleye and Faith James expressed gratitude to government and other stakeholders for securing a healthy life for their children through regular vaccination against childhood diseases.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders and some government functionaries including the special adviser to the governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye and directors from the Ondo state primary healthcare development agency.
The National Immunisation Plus Days programme begins on Saturday in Ondo State and is expected to end on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 after which a mop-up exercise will also take place between 7th and 8th of May, 2025
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