The Agency revealed that Lagos State has the highest number of these children, commonly referred to as zero dose children, who have not received any form of routine immunization. The states in the south west with zero dose children includes; Lagos, 79,279; Oyo, 53,812; Ondo, 30,280; Osun, 19,737; Ogun, 3,204; and Ekiti, 2,998.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, made this known during the Quarterly Review meeting of South West Traditional Leaders’ Committee (SWTLC) on PHC Delivery in Ondo State.
Lafiya360 reports that the Federal Government, in partnership with development partners, have scheduled the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine by September this year.
He said, “The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the most common types of Human Papilloma Virus that cause cervical and other types of cancers. We would be reaching out to you to help communicate to your communities the importance of these vaccines.
“As respected leaders of our nation, I respectfully implore Your Majesties to consistently advocate for immunization and other PHC services. By utilizing your influential and revered position in society to emphasize the significance of regular immunization and other PHC services to parents and caregivers, we can overcome obstacles and enhance the acceptance of vaccines, ensuring that every child receives these life-saving treatments.
“By taking this action, we can stop the spread of cVPV2 and achieve a comprehensive enhancement in the health and welfare of our communities.
“The foundation of a well-functioning health system lies in its PHC system. It serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services and plays a crucial role in disease prevention, health promotion, and community engagement.
“By fortifying our PHC system, we can ensure that quality Healthcare services reach every corner of Nigeria.”
While addressing the traditional leaders, the NPHCDA boss added, “Immunization, particularly the eradication of all forms of vaccine preventable diseases for example Poliovirus, remains our top priority.
“Your involvement as traditional leaders in promoting vaccination campaigns and community mobilization have been pivotal in our progress thus far.
“With your support, we have achieved remarkable milestones, witnessing a significant decline in cases of circulating variant polio virus type 2 (cVPV2) in the zone. However, our work is not yet complete. We must persistently labor until we reach the finish line, ensuring that future generations are shielded from this debilitating disease and other vaccine-preventable diseases.”
He explained that as part of Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities and enhance reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health services across the states, the NPHCDA has recently launched and initiated the roll-out of the Community-Based Health Research Innovative-Training and Service Programme (CRISP).
In his remark, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stressed that the state government continues to prioritize health care service delivery, as part of its REDEEMED Policy Thrust.
“I am glad to disclose that our ORANGHIS, our Health Insurance Scheme is doing a great job in the march of Ondo State to Universal Health Coverage. The Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities is another giant stride to ensure that an efficient drug-revolving system is in place at all levels of the health system and to also ensure drugs and health commodities affordability and excellent quality.
“I am also happy to make known that we are nearing the completion of 250-bedded each at both complexes of the Teaching Hospital in Akure and respectively to create a conducive place for the management of our patients and ensure good working conditions for our medical workers and support staff.
“We are also prioritizing the employment of health workers to fill the gap created by the global emigration of these categories of workers and the recruitment exercise will commence soonest,” he said.