National Immunisation: Kwara Govt seeks Emir support on Poliomyelitis
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government has appealed for support of the Emir of Ilorin and council members for the success of immunization of children less than five years against polio virus and other childhood killer diseases.
Dr. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, made the call on Thursday in Ilorin while officially flagging off 2023 round of the National Immunization plus day at the Emir of Ilorin palace.
She stated that the choice of the flag-off of the immunization campaign at the Emir of Ilorin palace is to recognise the traditional institution in figjt against childhood killer diseases.
Elelu emphasized the importance of traditional rulers as being closest to the people, adding that thier support will enhance the success of the health intervention across the state.
She dismissed rumours surrounding immunisation as a ploy to reduce population, while describing it as unfounded.
She disclosed that Kwara is one of the few states that has not reported any cases of circulating Vaccine derived Polio Virus this year.
“The National Immunization Plus Day is aimed at protecting children below five years of age from Poliomyelitis,” she said.
The executive secretary added that healthcare providers will commence administering vaccines from household to household commemcing 11th to 14th of November.
She, therefore, appealed to mothers, caregivers, religious leaders and traditional leaders to co-operate with Health workers and ensure eligible chuldren are presented for immunization.
Elelu asserted that the vaccines are efficacious, safe and free, while having undergone test by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Government.
Dr Ahmed Salihu, the WHO representative in Kwara, commended the Emirate and traditional leaders on thier support for the various health intervention programmes.
He stated that WHO will continue to partner the state government in the area promoting health of the citizenry across the 16 local government areas.
He also urged religious leaders to ensure they call on thier adherents and sensitize them on the importance of immunization to safeguard the lives of children.
Speaking also, Alhaji Mustapha Babareke, the Ilorin West Supervising Counsellor for Health urged people across local government to ensure they present thier wards for immunization.
He also called on traditional leaders to support the programme and intensify efforts on the citizens and adherents on the importance of immunization on the health of the children.
Responding on behalf of the traditional leaders, Alhaji Abdullahi Sadiq, the Baba Isale of Ilorin reiterated commitment of the traditional institution of the Emirate.
He observed that health is wealth, while emphasizing that members are committed and will support the state government in sensitizing people to present thiwr wards for immunization.
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