By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Edo State Government through its Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), and other stakeholders, has launched the second round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign at Ugbekun Primary Health Care Centre in Benin City, the State Capital.
At the flag-off ceremony, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, commended mothers who brought their babies for immunization, and emphasized the importance of leveraging the free healthcare opportunity for their children’s well-being. According to her, “Immunization is crucial for a child’s well-being. Polio virus can lead to paralysis which can impact a child’s walking ability. Fortunately, polio is preventable through immunization.”
Mrs. Anani commended the investments of the Sen. Okpebholo-led Government in the Health Sector and reiterated its commitment to promoting the well-being of mothers and children in the State. She asserted, “These children are the leaders of tomorrow; from these children will emerge future governors, honourable members, councilors, and first ladies. That’s why we are ensuring their health through immunization, which will help them grow into healthy individuals. The Polio Vaccine is administered orally, and it doesn’t cause fever or side effects.”
She sensitized mothers on the Diphtheria disease outbreak, highlighting its symptoms. She advised on the importance of regular handwashing, even for their babies, and encouraged mothers to take advantage of the free vaccination against the disease.
In a remark, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian, explained the effectiveness of the vaccine in the protection of children against Polio Virus. According to him, “The novel oral Polio vaccine type ‘2’ to be administered, is an improved type of polio vaccine that is highly effective at protecting children from the Polio Virus and permanent paralysis. The novel oral Polio vaccine, along with the existing Polio vaccines, is recommended by WHO and the Nigerian National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as the safest and the most proven method to protect children from polio.
“During this exercise, children 0-59 months, that is children less than 5 years, will be administered two drops of the Oral Polio Vaccine. This is to help eradicate the virus amongst children and also reduce childhood illnesses and deaths.”
The State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Nora Eyo, highlighted the urgent need to eliminate all forms of poliovirus, including the circulating variant poliovirus type ‘2’ (cVDPV2). She urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to cooperate fully with the Vaccination Team, saying, “Starting Saturday, 28th June, 2025, our trained Vaccination teams will be at your doorsteps; in your schools, churches, mosques, markets and designated primary health centres. These dedicated men and women are our foot soldiers in this critical battle for health. Please welcome them; present your children aged 0-5 years and ensure they receive the two crucial drops of the oral polio vaccine. It is safe, effective and completely free.
“Additionally, I urge you to bring your children’s vaccination cards to your nearest Primary Healthcare Centre, as this campaign also offers a valuable opportunity to receive other essential routine vaccines your child may have missed.”
