The Cross River State Government says no fewer than 900,000 children between the ages of 0-59 months have been targeted for vaccination against poliomyelitis Type 2.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of Cross River Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, shortly after the inauguration of the campaign on Tuesday in Ugep Community in the Yakurr Local Government Area.
According to reports, the inauguration was carried out by the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem Eteng.
Dr. Ekpenyong revealed that the state government was planning to have 100 per cent coverage of the vaccination.
She noted that the role of traditional rulers could never be overemphasized, especially in delivering quality and productive healthcare to the citizens and lauded them for always mobilising children within the community for similar exercises, adding “Immunisation is the right of a child and no child should be deprived.”
The state director-general implored parents and caregivers to protect the lives of the next generation by granting them the opportunity to get vaccinated within the stipulated time.
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“The state government with support from partner agencies has mapped out strategies to get all children vaccinated, irrespective of weather conditions, topographical challenges, as well as other surmountable barriers.
“With the commitment of health workers and strategic leaders like the traditional rulers council, religious leaders, youths and women leaders, the state has remained poliomyelitis-free in spite of panicking figures from some states.
“With the devastating effects of the disease to children within 0-59 months which include economic, psychological and general well-being, there is a need for continuous advocacies and sensitisation in churches, schools and other public gatherings.
“Today, we are officially inaugurating the first round of the outbreak response on poliomyelitis for our children between the ages of 0-59 months because they are the most vulnerable due to their level of immunity,” she said.
The DG noted that due to the outbreak of type 2 poliomyelitis, the federal and state governments embarked on a quick response to ensure that child mortality rate is lowered.
Speaking earlier, the traditional ruler expressed satisfaction that the exercise of such magnitude was being decentralised to encourage participation and give a sense of belonging to all communities in the state.
He pledged his support towards raising awareness on the outbreak response on poliomyelitis and other health interventions, in order to complement the efforts of the state government and health workers.
On his part, the Director of Public Health, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Iwara Iwara, reiterated the state government’s commitment towards eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases and encouraged mothers to ensure that their children are vaccinated
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