Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, has appealed to the public to avail themselves of the opportunity available to get their children immunised for maximum protection against polio virus.
Okpala told newsmen on Tuesday in Awka, that the state government is committed to protecting the children from polio virus.
He also reiterated the state government’s willingness to contribute in sustaining a polio free status for the country.
Okpala said he is excited that National Immunisation Plus Days against Polio commenced successfully across the state over the weekend which would be concluded on Tuesday.
“I beg mothers to troop out in their numbers for this immunisation exercise before the end of work today so as to ensure that polio is kicked out of Anambra,” he said.
He advised mothers in rural and urban areas of the state to ensure that the opportunity is well utilised by presenting their children at the targeted age for health workers to do their jobs.
“I beg you mothers to ensure that no Anambra Child is left out as the effort is to protect all children from the ravaging impact of polio virus.
“Do your children this good; the vaccines are safe; this will have a very long term benefits on the immunised children; give quality life to your children now,“ he pleaded.
Okpala said that polio virus has no cure. Rather it causes lasting paralysis that leads to death of affected children.
He said that the only solution against the disease is to give children two drops of the oral polio vaccine to protect them from the viral disease.
Okpala explained that the vaccine is even more important at this time when 395 cases of the Circulating Mutant Poliovirus type two have been reported across 27 states.
He said that the Federal Capital Territory is among states where Poliovirus type two has been reported and this is caused by immunity gaps in children.
“We have to take our health challenges seriously, especially that of our children whose life expectancy largely depends on us,“ he warned.
Okpala said that those eligible for the Immunisation are Children between zero to nine months of age, irrespective of previous immunisation status.
He said that other antigens that would be given according to schedule and status include HBV 0, BCG, Inactivated Polio Vaccine, Pentavalent vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine.
Okpala said that Measles vaccine, Yellow fever vaccine, Meningitis vaccine, and Vitamin A Supplementation, Tetanus Diphtheria would be administered to pregnant women and women of child-bearing age.
He said that every child is targeted to be reached in the exercise and urged healthcare officials designated for the exercise to ensure that no child is left out.
Okpala said that mothers should complement the efforts of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, in total health success of its citizens through accessing the immunisation services.
NAN reports that the theme for the National Immunisation Plus Days is “Keep Polio at Zero”. (NAN)