The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has called on residents across the state not to deprive their children from getting any type of vaccination in order to build their immunity.
The second round of National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) which began last Saturday is being administered for children between the ages of 0-5 and is extended to 6 days instead of the initial three days to ensure that every child within that range is not lift out.
Akanbiemu who spoke with the media shortly after meeting with stakeholders on the second round of NIPDs which enters the 3rd day today Monday November 13th 2023 said no cases of adverse effect of polio vaccination has been reported after administering it several years till now.
” If because of rumours you deprive your children from benefitting, how will you look if other children children are walking normally and healthy and your child becomes paralyzed because of fake rumour”
” Mothers should not be deceived but let them come enmass to receive the vaccines,” he said.
While stressing the need for the vaccination of children , he stated that the rate of survival of below five year children has increased which he attributed to massive vaccination uptake in the state.
He described the exercise as vaccination against polio saying “we don’t want any of our children in the state to be infected with any type of polio.”
He however assured residents of the safety of the vaccine, as he called on stakeholders to sensitise residents against misinformation to enjoy long life.
Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye while speaking at the meeting said it is aimed at reminding stakeholders of their responsibility to a healthy state.
Adefesoye expressed disappointment in some religious organisations and schools who prevented health officials from carrying out their duty which is contained in the child rights Act.
State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr, Anslem Ologunwa called on the federal government to enforce the child Rights Act saying that association has put in place efforts to ensure that every person key into the exercise.
Chief Imam of Gaga Community, Alhaji Yesufu Agbesinga observed the negative effects of social media and assured the support of Muslim community for the success of the exercise.
