Edo Mobilizes Against Circulating Polio Virus

The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, expresses profound gratitude to the State Social Mobilization Committee (SMC) for their unwavering dedication to the ongoing Outbreak Response (OBR) against the Circulating Variant Polio Virus in all 18 Local Government Areas.

He urges the Committee to intensify its efforts in preserving Edo State and Nigeria’s polio-free status.

Dr. Izedonmwen, represented by Dr. Osayomore Idemudia, Director of the Community and Family Health Department of the Agency, emphasizes that the OBR One campaign is a supplementary initiative led by the Edo State Government and key stakeholders such as WHO and UNICEF. He cautions against any actions that may compromise the State Government’s unwavering determination to maintain a polio-free status.

According to Dr. Izedonmwen, “There is no chance of overdosing with the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV), which is widely accessible and safe. To provide full protection, all eligible children five years of age and below must take two doses of the vaccine. It is essential to remember that a child’s little left finger will be marked as proof of immunization if they receive the nOPV during the campaign. To guarantee complete coverage, the mop-up operation will last until Thursday, September 21, 2023, after the campaign’s first four days.”

Supporting this effort, Dr. Efomo Esiegbe, Assistant Director of Disease Control and Immunization, emphasizes that the first and second rounds of the OBR campaign aim to ensure comprehensive coverage and maximum protection by vaccinating every child.

He highlights the importance of continuous sensitization and education of residents to gain parental and caregiver cooperation and confidence in accepting vaccination for their children.

Reporting on the campaign’s progress, Mrs. Esther Ajayi-David, the Monitoring and Evaluation officer, acknowledges instances of hesitation and hostility towards the Agency’s healthcare workers in the field but notes a glimmer of hope as one of the SMC members, a major stakeholder in the affected community, has resolved the issue.

The SMC recommends increased advocacy and sensitization efforts, particularly from government, for all vaccination exercises. It cites the commendable example of Dr. Osahon Enabulele, President of the World Medical Association, publicly declaring the safety of the OBR vaccine.

The Committee applauds Dr. Enabulele’s support and urges other notable personalities and organizations, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to follow suit and lend their endorsement.