The 2018 measles vaccination campaign has been flagged off in the state with a call on parents and Guardians to make their children and wards available for the exercise.
While flagging of the campaign, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said that the measles vaccination campaign is a strategy put in to reduce childhood mortality and morbidity due to measles among children from 9 months to 59 months or children less than 5 years.
Mr. Obaseki who spoke through the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu said that, the state government has maintained a very well articulated policy on Primary Health Care and has commenced the process of upgrading and equipping 200 Primary Health Care centers across the state.
While stressing that immunization service is an integral part of child health service which is provided at this primary health centers, Mr. Obaseki said, this administration will continue to strengthen immunization service because, it provides a holistic approach to the prevention of vaccine preventable diseases.
Mr. Obaseki who emphasized the importance of breast milk to children, pointed out that vaccination can also boost the immunity of children against diseases.
He said his administration is determined to reduce childhood mortality and morbidity by reducing the number of unimmunized children by the end of the campaign.
The Governor noted that the state has achieved a coverage of 70% for routine immunization and 72% for measles which falls short of the National target of 95%. He stressed the need for the state to surpass the National target.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo said the campaign is designed to reinforce the routine immunization exercise which will remain the main strategy of reaching children.
Dr. Osifo who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Azielen Asogun said that the exercise is scheduled to enhance the well being of children in Edo State. He assured that the vaccines are safe, effective and free pointing out that, immunizing children is the surest way to proper development and good health.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Director, Primary Health Care, Dr. David Odiko, appreciated the contributions of partner agencies and other stake holders towards the measles vaccination campaign in the state and called for the passage of the Primary Health Care bill in the House of Assembly.
