Immunization: Kogi Disturbed over Increasing Measles Outbreak

Despite the 90% success record of immunization coverage using pentavalent vaccine that was recently introduced in Kogi State in July 2013, the State Government said it is still disturbed that the State still record incidences of measles outbreak.

immunizatiinThe Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, stated this at a meeting with Council Chairmen, Traditional rulers and Religious leaders, on polio eradication in Kogi State.

The State Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi said the meeting with the relevant stakeholders became necessary with a view to increasing uptake on immunization. He urged the Council Chairmen in the State to put in place necessary administrative machinery in their Primary Healthcare Institutions.

The Governor called on the Council Chairmen to ensure that they improve and maintain on their Primary Healthcare infrastructures that will assist in the reduction of polio and other preventable diseases.

Capt. Wada charged Religious and Traditional leaders not to relent in their
efforts in mobilization of their followers and subjects on the need to present their children for routine immunization and other health services of the State Government.

The Governor disclosed that he will continue to identify with partners over the funding of immunization programs aimed at reducing child killer diseases. He assured that the State will continue to pay its counterpart funds that will enable the people enjoy qualitative health care delivery services.

In his remarks at the meeting, Dr. Idris Omede, Commissioner for Health, described as worrisome the continued incidences of measles outbreak in Lokoja and Igalamela/Odolu LGA’s after the October 2013 integrated measles campaign on the State.

The Commissioner for Health called for continued social mobilization activities, and for the sustenance of the gains attained in past routine immunization and polio eradication in the State.

In his presentation of the State quarterly progress report, Shaibu Ahmadu, described the State as polio free in spite of the noticed outbreak, but called on Traditional and Religious leaders to mobilize their subjects, offer suggestions towards compliance, interventions to routine immunizations.

Highlights of the meeting were an interactive meeting where the Council Chairmen, Traditional rulers and Religious leaders bared their minds on issues concerning polio eradication and other routine immunization.

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