Nigeria: The Edo State has started efforts to combat the outbreak of polio. the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council Area, Dr Tom Obaseki flagged off the second outbreak response to polio virus at New Benin Primary Health Care Center, in Benin City on Friday November 10, 2023.
During the flag off ceremony, Dr Obaseki was represented by l Raymond Olaye, Supervisory Councilor for Health / Environment. He delivered a short yet impactful address. He said “The Edo State Government is determined for her citizens to live in good health and our children are top priority. The State Government’s goal is to eradicate polio from the State completely.”
The Council Chairman announced the plans for the future of the campaign. He claimed that the second round of vaccination against polio would take place from Saturday 11th to 16th November, 2023. He appealed to parents and caregivers to make their children available for the vaccination. According to him, the vaccinations are for children of zero (0) months to 5 years.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Alli also spoke to the assembled guests during the flag-off exercise. He assured the public that the vaccine is free and harmless for children. The Commissioner stated that the vaccine would help to strengthen the immune system of the children to fight against other communicable diseases in their environment.
Dr Alli added that the staff of Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) will be going to homes, churches, motor parks 9and mosques to give children vaccines against polio.
Commenting on the exercise, Dr. Eyo Nora, Edo State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), appreciated Governor Obaseki for his relentless effort in making the health care of the children a priority. Dr. Eyo also appreciated the support of UNICEF and the Oredo Local Government Council.
The Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Christabel Ekwu, has assured of her Ministry’s support towards Polio Vaccination of Children in Edo State.
Ekwu gave the assurance while officers of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) visited her in her office at the State Secretariat Complex in Benin City. She stated that the health of children in the State is of utmost priority. Accordingly, her Ministry would collaborate with the Agency in order to realize its vision of maintaining zero Polio status in the State.