By Agbonlahor Felicia
Edo State Government has flagged off the introduction of ROTA Virus vaccination into Routine Immunization Schedule and Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign to enhance the well-being of children in the State.
The flag-off ceremony which took place at Eyaen Primary Health Centre in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, on Monday 21st of November, 2022, had in attendance stakeholders from various parastatals as well as mothers with their children.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Prof. Obehi Akoria, reiterated government’s commitment to the prioritization of primary health care to achieve a sustained reduction in morbidity and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases in every community of the State.
The Deputy Governor asserted that immunization continues to be one of the critical tools for preventing avoidable consequences of morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.
Shaibu thereafter commended the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency for ensuring adequate preparation and implementation for the campaign.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr Omosigho Izedonmwen, noted during his welcome address that the ROTA Virus Vaccine introduction into routine immunization was put in place for children to attain very high percentage immunity coverage.
Dr Izedonmwen explained that ROTA Virus is contagious and causes diarrhoea in children, and added that vomiting and fever are also common in children with ROTA viruses.
The Executive Secretary affirmed that the ROTA Virus vaccine is the only way to protect children against diarrhoea disease caused by the virus, as there is no treatment for ROTA Virus disease as with some other illnesses.
Dr Izedonmwen, therefore, appealed to parents and guardians to embrace the program and ensure that all children within the age range are vaccinated as the vaccines would be made available at all primary healthcare centres across the State.
He further gave the assurance that measles and ROTA Virus vaccines are safe, effective and harmless.
