In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Institute of Child Health (ICH), University of Benin (UNIBEN), and the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) collaborated to present the September edition of the Institute of Child Health monthly seminar under the thought-provoking theme *”When We Fail to Vaccinate”.*
The event took place on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Institute of Child Health Seminar Room, situated within the Oba Akenzua Complex at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
The seminar commenced with a very enlightening lecture delivered by Prof. Mrs. Ayebo Sadoh, the Director of the Institute. In her address, she eloquently emphasized that “vaccination stands as one of the most powerful tools at our disposal to combat the spread of dangerous and potentially deadly diseases.” Prof. Sadoh further delved into the invaluable benefits of vaccination while raising awareness about the perils of vaccine hesitancy on public health.
She noted that vaccination is not just a personal choice; it’s a responsibility we have to our communities. By getting vaccinated and encouraging others to do the same, we build herd immunity and also contribute to the well-being and safety of everyone.
Also speaking at the event, was Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), who not only graced the occasion but also presided as the seminar’s chairman. Dr. Izedonmwen, a notable figure in the field of public health, welcomed everyone present to the event.
He discussed the proposed Primary Health Care (PHC) client home-based care reforms, which aim to empower Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWS) to deeply engage with their communities to ensure that healthcare is brought closer to the people and also improve the chances of children receiving the lifesaving vaccination they need, leaving no room for any to miss out on this critical healthcare measure.
Dr. Izedonmwen emphasized the importance of shifting our healthcare focus towards promotive healthcare care which prioritizes proactive measures such as health education and vaccinations to prevent illnesses, rather than relying primarily on curative healthcare to treat diseases after they have already occurred
Another Speaker, Prof. Wilson Sadoh the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, UNIBEN, spoke on the impact of misinformation and the propagation of inaccurate information on vaccination. Additionally, he advised health professionals to always arm themselves with the right information and desist from promoting misinformation as they are custodians of health.
Notably, the event attracted distinguished figures from the healthcare field including Professors, Doctors, Nurses, as well as Secondary Students, Parents, etc.
This seminar provided the platform for enlightening the adolescents and parents present of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, which would be introduced into the country’s routine immunization programme from October 2023.
