African Vaccination Week: Edo State Government Flags Off Immunization for Children

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Edo State Government, through its Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), has launched a free vaccination exercise for children aged 0-5 years.

The initiative, held in commemoration of African Vaccination Week, is in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Institute of Child Health (ICH), UNIBEN/UBTH.

During the flag-off ceremony held yesterday at the Eyean Primary Health Care Centre, Coordinator Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani emphasized the importance of vaccination in maintaining children’s health. “A child’s health is paramount to their mother and the entire family, Immunization ensures our children are healthy, and healthy children build a healthy nation.”she said.

Mrs. Anani also advocated for breastfeeding, citing its role in protecting children from diseases and infections. “I am an advocate for breastfeeding, I exclusively breastfed all my children for six months and three weeks, and I believe it’s a crucial part of a mother’s responsibility to her child.”

The State Coordinator of World Health Organization, WHO, Dr. Nora Eyo, commended the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led Administration for its health reforms and expressed appreciation to Mrs. Anani for her passion for maternal and child health.

Dr. Eyo highlighted the objective of the African Vaccination Week, which is to improve immunization coverage and ensure all children in the target age group are vaccinated against life-threatening diseases.

The vaccines available include Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), BCG, Penta, Measles, Yellow Fever, and MenA, as well as Vitamin A supplements to support eye health. Dr. Eyo urged all mothers to take advantage of the opportunity to vaccinate their children.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunization, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, also commended Governor Okpebholo for his passion for maternal and child health, citing the Governor’s health reforms, including the renovation and staffing of Primary Health Care centers.

The Edo State Government’s immunization drive is a significant step towards protecting the health and well-being of children in the state. By partnering with international organizations like WHO and UNICEF, the government demonstrates its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for its citizens.

This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on reducing the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the state.