By Binta Sanni
The Kwara Government has commenced the Routine Immunization Vaccine Catch-up across all the 16 local government areas of the state.
Children aged zero to 59 months are expected to be vaccinated across all health facilities and vaccination posts in the state.
Speaking to newsmen in Ilorin on the sidelines of the Stakeholders meeting on the routine immunization, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, the Director of Primary Health Care System, explained that the forum is discussed how to integrate health campaign across 16 LGAs.
He disclosed that emphasis will be placed on three LGAs that have not reached pass mark on previous immunization exercise in the state. These are Ilorin East, Ifelodun and Baruten LGAs.
Oguntoye explained that these areas recorded a significant population of children that missed the vaccinations, due to a number of reasons including COVID-19.
He warned that they have potentials to re-infect other children and spread life threatening diseases to them.
The expert observed that some people, especially fathers, are still discouraging effective immunization campaign in the state. Specifically, he said some parents go as far as requesting for palliatives and incentives before allowing their children to get immunized.
The director reminded that these vaccines are free to the citizens in the country, however they are very expensive for the Federal Government to acquire.
“Immunization is the most celebrated public health interventions across the world. Though immunization is coming to people free, government is not getting it free. The government pays for this vaccine,” he said.
He stated that each single dose of vaccine to a child cost about N70,000, while noting that the free administering of the vaccine is all part of the dividend of democracy.
Oguntoye pointed out that each LGA in the state have their peculiar problems they pose to the immunization campaign, adding that the ministry of health have ensured these challenges will be mitigated.
“However, due to a number of factors like ignorance, low awareness and false rumours, a lot of mothers and caregivers or even fathers prevent their children from being vaccinated.
“About 60 percent of diseases are preventable with immunization. Vaccines saves lives and prevent out of pocket expenditures for the family,” he said.
He also warned that those that refuse to allow their children get immunized are letting their children get sick and over burden the healthcare sector.
Oguntoye also warned that preventing their children from getting immunised increaes chances of poverty in the country, as money that should be spent else, is concentrated in treatment of diseases.
He added that the vaccines prevent diseases including Tuberculosis, Titera, Pertussis, Tetanus, and Pneumonia which is one of the leading causes of death in this age group.
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