African Vaccination Week, Rotavirus vaccine intensification flagged-off in Anambra
By Nnedinma Okeke/Chukwudi Nwauba
The African Vaccination Week (AVW) and Rotavirus vaccine post introduction intensification has been flagged-off in Anambra State by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration of the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners.
The event was done at Ime-Obi, the Palace of His Royal Majesty (HRM), Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha in Onitsha North Local Government Area (LGA).
The 2023 AVW is themed THE BIG CATCH UP’, an annual event that tends to provide an opportunity to underscore the importance of immunization in saving lives and encouraging families to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases.
Its goal is to strengthen immunization programmes in African Region by increasing awareness on the importance of every person particularly children and women need as well as right to be protected from vaccine preventable diseases.
On the Rotavirus vaccine, it was introduced in Anambra State on Nov. 29, 2022; the introduction has mitigated against the outbreak of Diarrhoea from December till date.
The Rotavirus is spread mainly by faeco-oral transmission and characterized by diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and severe dehydration, which may lead to death.
It cannot be treated with antibiotics or other drugs, and rehydration remained the mainstay of treatment. To prevent severe illness and deaths caused by rotavirus, every infant needs to be vaccinated against the disease.
The wife of the Governor, Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo while flagging off the ceremony, noted that the present administration is working toward ensuring that every child in the state lives a healthy and happy life.
`Vaccination is the best way to protect our children from vaccine preventable diseases and as such the government of the day will not hesitate to contribute immediate resources to health programmes especially as it concerns primary healthcare delivery."
She urged parents with children zero to 23 months on upmost utilization of the one week Routine Immunization intensification programme from May 30 to June 6 in all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) and designated vaccination sites in 21 LGAs.
``The vaccines, especially Rotavirus vaccination is free of charge and any health worker collecting money for it should be reported to the appropriate authorities," Mrs Soludo added.
She, then, commended Partners; WHO, UNICEF and health workers for their support and services they render to humanity.
The Anambra Health Commissioner, Dr Afam Obidike noted that there has been a significant increase in the number of children who has received the Rotavirus vaccine since its introduction in 2022.
``This has however, brought to the reduction in the number of children with diarrhea related disease, proving to the result being achieved since the vaccination began in 2022.
He explained that the African Vaccination Week was aimed at keeping immunization high on the
National and regional agenda through advocacy and partnership.
``It also aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people particularly children from vaccine preventable diseases and promoting delivery of other high impact lifesaving interventions."
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem stressed on the need for mothers/caregivers to always see to the completion of their children's immunization status.
``For the Rotavirus vaccine, ensure that your child is vaccinated at six weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks intervals respectively as this will ensure that your child is fully protected from the disease."
Pharm Uchem, however, expressed gratitude to Her Excellency, Mrs Soludo for the special interest she has given to health programmes in the state especially with regards to Primary healthcare.
She thanked the commissioner for health, his team, partners and all health workers for their support toward the success of the event.
The Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha North LGA, Mr Charles Onochie Ozoma urged Ndi Anambra to give it all attention as it was of great importance to the lives of children.
``It is of upmost importance that our children are immunized and protected from diseases especially those that are vaccine-preventable.
``With an attitudinal change, the programme would impact and bring about the required reduction in outbreak of diseases with reference to Diarrhoeal diseases," he added.
While praying for the success of the programme in Onitsha and Anambra State at large, the TC Chairman, urged all to aid spread information about the programme in order to create more awareness for the love of Anambra.
Mrs. Edith Onwuka, the State Immunization Officer (SIO) reiterated the positive impact of childhood vaccination in preventing disease.
``Perceived risks from vaccine preventable diseases such as disability and death which is associated with Rotavirus, have diminished significantly and this is as a result of government playing its roles and parents recognizing the effectiveness of vaccines."
She, then, urged parents to utilize the opportunity of the Rotavirus vaccine intensification to ensure that their children are protected from the disease.
The Acting Director, Onitsha North Local Government Health Authority (LGHA), Mrs. Chinwe Okeke thanked all Executives, SMOH, ASPHCDA, Partners, Traditional Rulers and all health workers for working judiciously in ensuring that the event was successful. (MOI)
More photos below.
Comments
Post a Comment