Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has kicked off Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days (SIPDs), in collaboration with partner agencies in the state.
The event, commenced from November 28 to end on December 1.
On Monday, health workers were seen at designated places, administering Oral Polio Vaccines to children, although very poor turnout was witnessed in some areas visited.
The places include Public Health Facilities, Churches, Mosque, Markets, Schools, Motor Parks, Village Squares among others.
It will be recalled that the World Health Organisation had on the 25th of August, certified Nigeria as ‘Polio free’.
Speaking with TNC Correspondent, the Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu said the exercise was necessitated by the recent certification of Nigeria as
‘Polio-Free’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the need to maintain the position.
According to her, the country would continue to administer Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to eligible children of 0 – 59 months to maintain the certification.
“This is to contribute to total global eradication of Polio and interrupt any recirculation of Wild Polio in the country.
“The state will always join efforts of the country to achieve this and interrupt any recirculation of Wild Polio Virus in the state,” she added.
Dr Ezenyimulu solicited the cooperation of the public to ensure the success of the exercise, urging parents to present every eligible child for vaccination at the nearest health facilities and designated locations.
“We want our people to know that immunization is very important especially for children. Most of these diseases are avoidable only if the children are immunized. We, therefore, appeal to parents and guardians to avail their children this opportunity to get immunized,” she pleaded.
