Over 350,000 Children To Get Polio Vaccination By Cross River Gov’t

By, Promise Imoh.

Cross River State Government is set to immunize children under the age of five in its ongoing effort to eradicate polio with a target of immunizing over 350,000 children.

The immunization drive comes as an  effort to end polio and promote child health,  ensuring no child is left behind.

The campaign for the immunization flagged off on Friday, at the Uyanga Primary Healthcare Centre by the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Felix Akposi  who issued a charge to mothers, fathers, traditional rulers, churches, and community leaders to unite in safeguarding the health of children.

“Today’s activity is a global one. We must not take it for granted,” “All mothers in our communities must take the health of their children seriously. These vaccines are free. Let us not abandon our children to diseases we can prevent.” Akposi told a gathering of stakeholders, including health workers, community leaders, and development partners.He however commended the World Health Organization and health partners for their continuous efforts in eradicating polio and other child-related illnesses, describing children as “the foundation of future generations.”

Akposi further called on traditional rulers to disseminate information across their communities and encourage grassroots participation.

Speaking also at the event, Samuel Ekwok, the WHO Representative in Akamkpa, disclosed that the campaign aims to vaccinate more than 350,000 children between 0 to 59 months across the ten wards of Akamkpa. He assured that trained health personnel would carry out the immunizations under strict supervision from both WHO and the local council.

Health authorities, including Maurice Asengita, Supervisor for Health, and  Oku Felix  Director of Health, praised the council chairman’s commitment to public health and noted the ongoing implementation of key health initiatives like CHAMPS and Roll Back Malaria.

Mothers present at the event expressed enthusiasm and gratitude to the health workers for raising awareness about the importance of immunization, most women pledged to act as ambassadors for the campaign by encouraging fellow mothers to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine.

Marking the official commencement of the campaign, Akposi symbolically administered a vaccine to show the immediacy. The photo session that highlighted the collective resolution in eradicating polio in Cross River State was flanked by health officials and community leaders.