FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Stakeholders in the health sector have called for coordinated efforts in ensuring there is a result-oriented immunization of children between five months to fifteen years against measles and rubella in the state.
The experts said the routine immunization vaccine against the scourge is free, safe and effective, noting that the exercise, billed to commence from October this year, would go a long way in mitigating and containing the disease outbreak.
This was made known during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement for the introduction of measles and rubella vaccines into the routine immunization schedule in Lafia.
Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, disclosed that the vaccination program remains a powerful shield for all children against measles and rubella, adding that the scourge comes with severe complications such as vision impairment and eventual death.
Dr. Akabe, a consultant ophthalmologist, appealed for a united front in championing the initiative for a brighter future by stamping out measles and rubella in the society.
He commended the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on healthier and resilient citizenry, insisting that Nasarawa State Government had already endorsed the campaign for seamless delivery of objectives.
Speaking, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, said there was a reported case of measles outbreak in Rukubi, Doma Local Government, stressing government’s commitment to tackling disease outbreak’s in the state.
In his remark, the Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Iskilu Saleh sued for key players’ cooperation against vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, condemning the myth that the vaccines lead to infertility.
Dr. Saleh, while calling for robust partnership, maintained that the vaccines prevent illness and disability.
He commended the Nasarawa State Government and development partners for their accelerated efforts to nip the scourge in the bud.
On her part, UNICEF Consultant in the state, Pharm. Jane Godwin assured of more commitment in vaccine management and accountability, announcing that Nasarawa is leading in all health interventions across the federation.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, Safiyanu Isa, Chairperson of the National Council for Women Societies, Mary Meshi and the Chairman, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Larry Ven-Bawa pledged to devote time and needful resources in the effective and efficient vaccination of all the age groups for a disease-free society, noting that the sensitization of the masses is crucial to achieving optimal growth in the health sector.
Nasarawa Newsline observes that the one-day stakeholders engagement was in collaboration with the Office of State First Lady, the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
(ACI&PRO)
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC,LAFIA.
