Yobe State government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization and other partners, have flagged off activities for the 2024 African Vaccination Week, focusing on goals of national health strategies, especially on immunization.
Addressing journalists in Damaturu on the weeklong activities, the Health Commissioner represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Babagana Kundi-Machina, explained that the integrated outreach services in five local government areas, and some selected LGAs, would create awareness on immunization services.
“Vaccination remains the most effective way to ensure disease prevention and eradication in any given society and as parents/caregivers it is mandatory for us to ensure that our family especially children and all eligible persons are protected from the vaccine-preventable diseases such as; tuberculosis, polio disease, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, hepatitis, pneumonia, Rotavirus, yellow fever, meningitis and HPV.
“A total of seven visits are expected by caregivers to health facilities from the birth of her baby up to 9 years; so it is very important for parents and caregivers to know the time/schedule of immunization of their children to make sure they receive all the required vaccines at the right time and right number,” he said.
The State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr Hamisu Alhassasn in his remarks, described the 50th anniversary of EPI as a milestone in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
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“We cannot overemphasize the importance of immunization as a crucial public health intervention that protects individuals and communities from infectious diseases such as Cerebrospinal Meningitis, Diphtheria, and Measles, among others.
“Immunization prevents serious and life-threatening diseases, saves life, reduces transmission of diseases, protects vulnerable populations, eliminates diseases, costs, protects the future generation and boosts economic growth,” he said.
The Yobe state government and the partners are hopeful the residents would embrace and promote immunization, as it is a safe and effective way to protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases.
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