By Abooluwa Famakinwa, Akure
The Ondo State Government has reiterated commitment to save lives of children in the state from childhood killer diseases.
The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reaffirmed this commitment while flagging off the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDS) in front of his office in Akure.
Arakunrin who immunised some children to flag off the programme, said the importance of immunisation in the saving of the lives of children in the state cannot be over emphasised because according to him, “no one knows what they can become in future ”
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While promising to always support any programme aimed at safeguarding the lives of children in the State from childhood killer diseases, he explained that the State is not doing badly in the committee of States as regards immunisation.
He appreciated the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for their performance in terms of immunisation coverage which has given the State better ranking.
The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu said the essence of the road show which took stakeholders from the Agency in Oke Eda to the Governor’s Office and the flag off,were to sensitise and mobilise the public for the NIPDS and vitamin A supplement which was to start the next day and last for four days.
Dr Akanbiemu added that there had been various types of immunisation from the Month of May, ranging from Outbreak Response (OBR) in May and June, Yellow Fever and NIPDS in the month of July.
The Executive Secretary said the NIPDS is targeting about 4,000 children for which staff have been adequately trained and equipped.
He said the target given by the Governor is that there should be 100% coverage for every immunisation, as no child in the State must die of childhood killer diseases that are preventable.
Given impetus by the mandate and prompt release of funds, immunisation coverage has improved by over 300 as revealed by the last quality Assurance Survey.
Dr. Akanbiemu appreciated the State governor for reinvigorating Primary Healthcare in the state through procurement and distribution of Medical and Laboratory Equipment to Primary Healthcare facilities in the State, partnering experts from Canada to train about 200 staff, training of staff through partnership with UNIMED and other in house and on the job training.
The road show which took place in grand style took stakeholders from the Primary Healthcare Development Agency to the Governor’s Office and to the Erekesan Market.
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