National Immunisation Plus Days: Ondo Targets 1,206,771 Children, Says Vaccination Cards Now a Criterion for School Enrolment
The Ondo State Government has announced plans to immunise a total of 1,206,771 children aged 0–5 years during the upcoming National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), scheduled to be flagged off on 2nd May 2025.
It also disclosed its readiness to make the immunisation card a requirement for enrolment in public and private primary schools across the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting for the NIPDs held in Akure, the state capital, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, (OSPHCDA) Dr Francis Akanbiemu, stated that the immunisation campaign would run from 3rd to 6th May, including two mop-up days.
Dr Akanbiemu solicited the cooperation and support of stakeholders for the success of the programme, as was demonstrated during the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which recorded 90 percent success and placed the state among the top performers in 2024.
Describing the immunisation exercise as a very important one, Akanbiemu said it targets children aged 0–59 months and will be carried out in schools, churches, mosques, and other locations where children can be reached.
He appreciated the people of the state for embracing government healthcare services, affirming that Ondo mothers are the best in the world for prioritising child survival strategies.
He also expressed gratitude for the continuous support received from the government for the health sector, attributing it to the magnanimity of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Victor Adefesoye, disclosed that a circular would soon be issued to confirm immunisation cards as a criterion for school enrolment.
He explained that the mop-up days are intended to ensure the campaign reaches all critical areas.
Dr Adefesoye stressed the need for stakeholders to be well informed so that they can advise families to bring their children to health facilities for vaccination. He also encouraged men to participate in the exercise and include it in their daily routines.
Dr Ibrahim Adebayo, representing the World Health Organization at the event, implored stakeholders to collaborate with the agency to ensure effective immunisation. Adebayo noted that 2025 is a critical year and reiterated that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing disease.
High Chief Sola Adegbonmire, representing the Deji of Akure Kingdom, urged participants to seek the support of traditional chiefs in their localities, especially where they face resistance or restrictions.
He added that denying children access to vaccination is a violation of the Child Rights Act and sometimes requires firm enforcement.
Presenting a paper on Polio Supplemental Immunisation Activities, Mrs Florence Fadiji charged stakeholders to encourage Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to ensure that newborns receive oral vaccines immediately after birth.
She outlined several routine immunisations to be administered during the campaign, including Vitamin A and B at 6 and 12 months, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
