By Ene Asuquo
In an effort to eradicate the state from measles and other diseases especially amongst children, cross River State government has flagged off integrated measles vaccination Campaign and the introduction of rota vaccine.
Flagging off the campaign in calabar, the state Deputy Governor, professor Ivara Esu said that cross River state Government attaches so much important to the issue of immunization hence the cancelation of every other engagement by him despite the short notice just to make sure he attains the event
He advised parents to take advantage of the event and bring up their children to be vaccinated against any form of diseases amongst them, adding that the seaming increase in the occurrence of measles worldwide especially amongst children, may be largely because covid- 19 has just finished and people no longer adhere to those protocols, there by communicable diseases spread faster, maintaining that it is important that children are vaccinated.
Prof Esu thanked the development partners for the way they have been supporting the state called for continued collaboration and greater cooperation
In her remarks, the Director General, Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Jenet Ekpeyong said that the flag off of Rota virus vaccine in the state is taggeted at over 700,000 children
“With this campaign, we will ensure that over 700,000 children are vaccinated, and also ensure that children from age 0-5 years benefit from the vaccination and intervention programe “
Dr. Ekpeyong disclosed that Rota virus is one of those viruses implicated as a major course of diarrhea in children, and contributes to the high mortality rate of children and infant
She added that the Federal Government has made Rota virus vaccine that use to be very costly that lots of people could not afford available now and free of charge, stressing that diarrhea diseases can be prevented because of the introduction of Rota virus vaccines
She called on parents, caregivers, traditional leaders and everybody to join in the campaign to make sure that we do not have measles outbreak in cross River and assuring that the state will surpass the 95% target given to the state
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