2022 WORLD POLIO DAY: ODSG ADVOCATES CONSCIOUS AND CONTINUOS SENSITIZATION
The Ondo State government has advocated for conscious and continuos sensitization of the general public on importance of Immunization of all eligible Children against poliomyelitis to ensure sustainability of polio free society.
The Permanent Secretary Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu stated this at the palace of Deji of Akure, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, while on a sensitization rally to the palace.
Akanbiemu who was represented by the Director Disease Control and immunization Dr Victor Adefesoye opined that the annual commemoration of world polio day is very important to ensure that the gospel of “end polio now” through Immunization is preached in the nooks and crannies of the country more so that some countries are grappling with the menace.
Akanbiemu noted that if efforts to curtail the disease is not intensified, it’s outbreak may be devastating as it can spread from one person to a whole family, thus the need to ensure vaccination of all eligible Children.
The Permanent Secretary who used the forum to sensitize the people on the forthcoming integrated measles vaccination campaign pleaded with the Royal father to inform chiefs in Akure and it’s environ on the need to sensitize their subjects on the importance of the Immunization.
In his goodwill message, his imperial majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, said the peaceful and healthy atmosphere enjoy in the state is as a result of the efforts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, through his various interventions and giant strides in the health sector as well as the inaguration of Amotekun corps, a security outfit in the state.
While urging people to embrace family planning, the Royal father said through government and non governmental interventions mortality rates have reduced noting that it is important for parents to give birth to number of children they can cater for.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Dele Davies said the organization would always be proactive to ensure permanent end to polio in Nigeria and other African Nations.
In her own speech, the Polio Rep. for Ondo State Rotarian ( Mrs)Bosede Akinyanju said Rotary clubs have made unforgettable contributions in cash and kind and in volunteer hours travelling the length and breadth of expansive district helping with polio vaccination and advocacy.
Mrs Akinyanju said Polio may no longer be a threat in Nigeria going by the records , but it is still ravaging some countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, this According to her is a threat to the entire world and hence the need to ensure safety of the Children through vaccination.
Highlights at the sensitization programmes include decoration and award to the Deji of Akure as the patron of the Rotary club, Awards to other personalities who have contributed in one way or the other to ensure polio free society as well as the flag off of polio vaccination which was performed by the Deji of Akure.
The walk the talk to sensitize the people of Akure which started from Oke- Eda and terminated at Deji’s palace had in Attendance all Rotary Presidents in the State , staff of Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency and staff World Health Organization .
Every 24th day of October is dedicated as world polio day, where rotarians celebrate and educate on the effects of polio and the need for it’s eradication.
Ayo Falana
Press Officer, OSPHCDA.
