•as UNICEF flags off ‘big catch up immunization exercise’
The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Plateau State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Yakubu Dauda Izang has attributed unending insecurity in the state to the issue of zero doses of immunisation in four local government areas of the state.
Speaking in Jos South on Wednesday during the flag-off of the ‘Big Catch-up Immunisation Campaign’ with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), he said that zero-dose children are common in Wase, Kanam, Shendam and Qua-an Pan LGAs.
The Director commended UNICEF and other partners for partnering with the board to address the zero dose challenge through the ongoing Big Catch-up Immunisation campaign.
He stressed that the state has been recording improvement, with parents submitting their wards for immunisation following the efforts of the government to stem the issues of insecurity.
According to him, “The rate of zero doses was on the high side, Plateau state was marked as a ‘Zero Dose State’ –accounting for the high rate of children who have never received immunisation in their lifetime.
“Those four LGAs have witnessed a series of attacks. You don’t expect people who are witnessing attacks to have access to healthcare services –especially immunisation.
“Most of them were displaced. Secondly, there was a shortage of manpower but I’m very certain His Excellency is prioritising that. Very soon, there will be employment of frontline health workers to carry on with the job.”
In her remarks, the Director, PHC, Jos South LGA, Lynda Chuwang said, “Big Catch up Immunisation campaign is a good concept which is really catching up with the Zero Dose children in the area.
“As I said earlier on, all children that had missed immunization from the beginning are now being reached. You know the importance of immunization, so, bringing up this big catch-up campaign has really helped a lot.
“A lot of children are now able to receive their immunization vaccines. This morning I went round to the communities for supervision before I came here. I met a mother who had earlier refused to bring her children for the immunization but when we spoke to her, She understood the negative effect on her children a decided to bring them.
“If we had not gone out and if not for the big catch up Immunisation exercise, we would not have got her and the child would have missed out. So, it is very very important and it has given us the opportunity to go into the communities and fish out those children that for one reason or the other missed the earlier stages of immunisation.
Lynda Chuwang hoped and prayed that people would understand especially mothers, the importance of routine immunization so that whenever they are being called they will respond.
According to her, “During antenatal visits, the pregnant women are being taught and told about immunization but they don’t know the importance. But for now that government is making an effort to follow them into their communities, they have understood that it is very important.c
“They should bring out their children so that they can be prevented from the child killed and vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday flagged off the Big Catch up Immunization in Jos South LGA of Plateau State to bridge the gap of ZERO dose of immunization in the area.
The flag-off was held at the premises of Zawan Youth Centre where parents brought their children aged U-5 for Immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Flagging off the exercise, First Lady of Jos South Local Government Council, Mrs. Mercy Silas Patrick expressed happiness over the important occasion marking the official flag-off of the Big Catch-Up Immunization in the Area.
According to her, “The program is aimed at reaching the children who missed their routine immunisation, either due to crises or other circumstances.
“As we all know, immunisation is one of the most effective ways to protect our children from deadly diseases and to ensure a healthier future for the next generation.
“Today’s initiative is particularly important in ensuring that every child within our local government area receives the vital vaccines they need to grow and thrive. This is not just a health issue but a collective responsibility that demands our active participation. We must leave no child behind.
,”As we embark on this campaign, I call on every parent, guardian, and community leader to play an active role in ensuring that children in their care receive these life-saving vaccines.
“The Big Catch-Up Immunisation program is here to correct the gaps in immunization coverage, so no child is left unprotected.
“We must also acknowledge and appreciate the health workers, volunteers, and stakeholders who will be directly involved in this process. Their dedication to ensuring that children are immunised is commendable, and we are grateful for their hard work.
“I want to reassure you all that the Jos-South Local Government is committed to supporting all efforts that promote the health and well-being of our children. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against preventable diseases.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank all our partners, especially the health ministries, NGOs, and community organizations, for their collaboration in making this program a reality. Without their support, today’s event would not be possible.
“Finally, I encourage all of us to continue to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation and work together to ensure that all children in Jos-South have access to the immunization services they need.”
In his remarks, UNICEF Health Officer, Patrick Akor stressed the importance of the exercise considering the number of zero dose in the state.
He stressed that UNICEF and other partners are determined to ensure that every child was reached with the immunisation to reduce the menace of child deaths.
Patrick Akor assured that UNICEF is always ready to support the successful implementation of such activities to promote maternal and child health.
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