BENIN CITY – Edo State Commssioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie yesterday inaugurated the Immunization of Primary School in the ages of 6 – 12 years against Hepatitis B infection with the administration of Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Performing the exercise which was organized by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with NDDC in Benin City, the Commissioner said that Hepatitis B Vaccine is one of the new generation vaccines made available for use against Hepatitis B Virus infection amongst children.
She noted that a chronic carrier state could lead to primary liver cancer.
Commending the NDDC for partnering with the state government by donating the Hepatitis B Vaccine, she remarked that the gesture would go a long way to complement the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) programme in the state, pointing out that child morbidity and mortality from Hepatitis B are further reduced through the exercise.
In his contributions, the State Director of Primary Health Care (PHC), Dr. Eghe Abe said that about 24 schools in six Local Government Areas of the state have been earmarked for the exercise, using the HB Vaccine supplied to the state by NDDC.
According to him, the school based activities was in line with the state government policy which ensures that the welfare and health needs of children are adequately taken care of.
He commended NDDC and the state government, Comrade Oshiomhole for paying adequate attention to the health needs of the children.
