The Acting Chairman Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Dr Innocent Alenoghena has called on mothers to regularly present their children for vaccination against childhood killer diseases.
He made the call in Igarra on Friday at the flag-off of the “2nd Outbreak Response’’ (OBR2) to the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus.
Speaking through the Head of department of environment, Mr Samson Omokhudu, the Council boss reiterated the need for women and care givers to ensure full compliance. He disclosed that OBR 2 is an intervention to contain the circulating virus type 2, pointing out that Nigeria had earlier been certified polio free even as he said this administration will have zero tolerance for non-compliance.
“Today, we join other local government areas in Edo state and Nigeria to Flag off the OBR 2 campaign which will take place from 21st-24th January 2023. We are here to demonstrate publicly, our leadership support to this very important exercise”.
Dr Alenoghena emphasised the need for sustained vigilance of indigenes of the area because its location as a gateway makes the area more susceptible to outbreak of diseases.
‘’We are a gateway local government area to other states as we share boundaries with Ondo, Ekiti and Kogi. We have markets attracting traders from all over the country. Many tourists and visitors from all over the world and academic institutions in Nigeria are attracted to the LGA for reasons of Ecologic and Geologic studies. All of these movement spread diseases as wherever people move to, diseases follow”.
He described poliomyelitis as a viral disease that causes death and paralysis complicated by physical disabilities and handicaps with severe negative socioeconomic consequences.
He appreciated the social mobilisation committee for its campaign and advocacy, and urged traditional rulers to escalate the campaign to ensure that eligible children are captured.
Also speaking at the event, the state technical facilitator, Pastor Odutola Abiodun expressed appreciation to the state government for ensuring the wellness of Edo children in the provision of adequate immunisation antigens. He commended mothers for their proactive stance towards immunisation activities. According to him, “Protection of children from childhood killer diseases require regular immunisation intake to forestall paralysis or death.
Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were the NOA boss, Francis Akande, Hod W.A.S.H, Samson Owaye, National Supervisor, Ibrahim Abudurhahim, and representatives of security agencies.
—By AkokoEdoNewsPaper Reporter
