Ondo state government has called on residents in the 18 local government areas to complete their vaccination boosters and be free from affliction from diseases like Tuberculosis, measles and covid-19 which have been declared as still existing.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo state Primary Health care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu made the call on Tuesday June 20, 2023 at a stakeholders meeting on primary health care services held in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
Akanbiemu who was represented by the agency’s Director, Community Health Services and Education, Dr Samuel Abiona, said the meeting was to update stakeholders on routine Immunization and Covid-19 vaccination.
Akanbiemu appreciated stakeholders for their support as he solicited for continuous supports in meeting the target of the agency while he announced the commencement of health check for blood sugar and blood pressure for participants present at the meeting .
The State Immunization Officer, Mrs Comfort Olagundoye, while giving an update on routine Immunization and Covid-19 vaccination, said Ondo is first in southwest on immunization for the first quarter between January to April 2023, but that the state lost its position in covid-19 vaccination.
Olagundoye said people particularly those at the communities should be sensitized more on completion of their children’s immunization dosages which she stated has extended to 15 and 23 months depending on the dosage as against the former 9months.
According to her, the extension of the vaccination is to boost children’s immunity against measles and Tuberculosis which she said is still very rampant.
Olagundoye further expressed challenges facing the agencies on immunization fatigue on the part of caregivers and non- challant attitude of caregivers calling on stakeholders to encourage caregivers to ensure their children get the full immunization so as to secure the future of the nation.
On a brief remarks, the Ondo state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Rev.Fr. Anselm Ologunwa appreciated the stakeholders for their support as he said the agency should incorporate the local government CAN women wing and the youths to help out to make the people understand the vaccination more better at the communities.
Present at the meeting are health educators, relevant non governmental organisations, the National Orientation Agency, market women, journalists, religious leaders and many others..
