EDWARD OSEGHE

The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with its health sector partners, on Tuesday, June 24, hosted a critical stakeholders’ meeting in preparation for the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign, scheduled to run from June 28 to July 3, 2025 across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The meeting, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, brought together key actors from the health sector and other support institutions to strategize for the successful implementation of the statewide polio vaccination exercise.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Director of Community and Family Health at EDSPHCDA, Dr. Idemudia Osayomore, the Head of the Reproductive Health Unit, Mrs. Adesuwa Omorere, highlighted the importance of the immunization campaign in protecting children from the debilitating effects of poliomyelitis. She urged all stakeholders to play active roles in ensuring full coverage across the state.

The meeting was moderated by Mr. Jerry Osawe, Edo Zonal Technical Officer of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), who encouraged stakeholders to leverage their platforms—community groups, religious organisations, workspaces, and media—to raise awareness and mobilize participation.

In his remarks, Mr. Yakubu Solomon, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Consultant, announced that preparations were also underway for a Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for January 2026 in Edo State. He called on all stakeholders to begin early engagement with their communities in anticipation of the rollout.

The event was well attended by representatives from key development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, civil society groups, religious institutions, security agencies, government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and various units of the EDSPHCDA, particularly the Community and Family Health Services Department.

Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Edo State Government’s immunization efforts, ensuring no child is left behind in the campaign to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases.