By Aderogba George
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, has urged elites to support the immunisation campaign by educating residents on the benefits of vaccination.
Fasawe made the call on Thursday during the integrated flag-off of the third round of the National Immunisation Plus Days and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week in the FCT.
The appeal follows reports that some individuals discouraged mothers from allowing their children to participate in previous polio immunisation exercises.
Fasawe urged elites and stakeholders across all socioeconomic groups in the FCT to assist in sensitising communities, especially mothers, on the safety and life-saving benefits of vaccines.
“Immunisation saves lives, prevents disease, and reduces infant mortality. It helps children grow into healthy and successful members of society,” she said.
She commended the FCT Primary Health Care Board (FPHCB) for achieving 100 per cent coverage during the previous immunisation rounds, noting that the goal for this round is to surpass that achievement.
Fasawe described immunisation as one of the most cost-effective health interventions and encouraged mothers not to leave any child unvaccinated.
She also spoke on the forthcoming measles-rubella campaign and urged families to take full advantage of all free vaccines provided by the government.
“Nigeria’s maternal and infant mortality indices remain a source of concern. Many of the diseases that kill children are preventable. Immunisation protects against diphtheria, measles, and polio. It helps the child develop antibodies to fight off illnesses,” she said.
She noted that all vaccines are being provided free of charge under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the leadership of Dr Muyi Aina of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
“The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria. In the FCT, we are determined to crush these indices and end deaths from preventable diseases,” she added.
In her goodwill message, Dr Kumshida Yakubu-Balami, the World Health Organisation (WHO) FCT Coordinator, commended the commitment of FPHCB health workers to ensuring regular and impactful immunisation campaigns.
Also speaking, Mrs Rahma Abubakar, UNICEF Facilitator for Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) for Polio in the FCT, reiterated UNICEF’s promise to every child to ensure access to life-saving vaccines.
She said UNICEF’s work in communities focuses on building trust, addressing fears, and ensuring that no child is missed. She encouraged caregivers to reach every household and ensure full participation.
Traditional rulers also pledged their support for the campaign.
The Etsu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, and the Emir of Jiwa, HRH Idris Musa, both committed to championing the immunisation drive in their communities and urged their subjects to take the exercise seriously.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the third round of the National Immunisation Plus Days and MNCH Week in the FCT is scheduled to run from Thursday, June 26 to Friday, July 4. (NAN)