April 12, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State government has kicked off the 2022 Campaign against poliomyelitis in the state.
The campaign is led by the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and coordinated by the Agency’s Director General, Dr Janet Ekpenyong.
Over 900,000 children between the ages of 0-59 months in Cross River State are set to be vaccinated.
This year’s event was flagged off at the Palace of the Obol Opol of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Ofem Ubana Eteng.
Speaking during the flag off of the excercise, Dr Ekpenyong said it was not just an epoch making event, but historic.
She emphasised that “the role of the traditional rulers can never be over emphasised especially in delivering quality and productive Healthcare to citizens.”
She advised parents and caregivers to protect the lives of the next generation by granting them the opportunity to get vaccinated within the stipulated time.
She emphasised that immunisation is a right of a child and the child should not be deprived.
She disclosed that the Cross River State government with support from partner agencies, have mapped out strategies to get all children vaccinated, irrespective of weather conditions, topographical challenges as well as other surmountable barriers, which hindered accessibility and 100% coverage in the time past.
She added that “because of the Outbreak of the type 2 Poliomyelitis, the Federal and state governments embarked on this response to ensure that child mortality rate is lowered as this disease has a ripple effect on the socio, economic and general well-being of affected families.
“So far in Cross River State, no record of Poliomyelitis 2 variant has been recorded, this is due to the collective efforts of all stakeholders including the traditional, religious and political leaders who are determined to see a healthier Cross River State” Dr Ekpenyong said.
The Obol Opol of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Ofem Ubana Eteng and host of the event was excited that exercise of such magnitude is 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.
Also speaking, the Director Public Health, State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, reiterated Government’s commitment to eradicating vaccine preventable diseases and encouraged the mothers to ensure their children are vaccinated as it is the responsibility of the parents to protect their children.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
