The Kaduna State Government, said on Thursday that it would commence direct vaccine delivery to health facilities in all the 255 wards and other critical sites for effective daily routine immunisation across the state.
Dr Paul Dogo, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services made the disclosure at a news briefing to commemorate the 2018 Africa Vaccination Week in Kaduna.
Dogo said the Day was meant to raise awareness on the importance of vaccination in reducing child mortality and galvanise governments to reach all children not getting vital immunisation for their survival.
”Vaccines are safe and effective, they are rigorously tested before approval for use. They are regularly reassessed for safety and constantly monitored for side effects.
“Vaccines prevent deadly diseases like diphtheria, measles and pertussis and provide better immunity than natural infections because it is less risky,” the commissioner said.
He said that his ministry has organised a health outreach programme targeting children who have missed routine immunisations, to raise coverage rate and reduce stock outs especially in far to reach and hard to reach areas.
Dogo noted that the week with the theme, Do your Part’, to run from April 23 to 29, “would highlight the need for collective action to ensure that every person is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
”For several years now, Kaduna state has been celebrating the African Vaccination Week through series of activities including rallies, mobilisation efforts, tracking and registering new children and documenting coverage.
“Review of routine immunisation challenges and successes at State and LGA levels have contributed towards efforts aimed at closing the performance gaps.
“Even though the state is making steady progress in expanding access to routine immunisation, there are still disparities in immunizations service uptake persisting among LGAs and Wards.”This deserves further concerted efforts of state ministry of health through the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and all partners to reach every community and every child.”
Dogo reiterate that, vaccination has benefits and a lot of resources have been committed to ensure that children have quality immunisation at no cost to parents or caregivers.
The commissioner appealed to stakeholders to work assiduously to ensure that the vulnerable groups are protected.
”We need to spread the word that vaccines work and that everyone is expected to do his part to ensure that every eligible child gets vaccinated, because vaccinated communities are healthy communities.”
He stressed that immunization remained the most successful and cost effective public health intervention in the world, preventing between two and three million deaths each year.
“It is one of the best investment that countries and state can make in the health of their people and their future,” the commissioner emphasised.
(NAN)
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/04/25/news/nigeria-kaduna-child-welfare-bill-sign-into-law-women-lawyers-others-react/
