Kemi Olatunde

The need for effective vaccination of eligible children in Ondo State has again been emphasised.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, made this known on Thursday while declaring open the 2025 African Vaccination Week in Akure. The theme of the event is “Vaccination for all is humanly possible.”

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Aiyedatiwa noted that childhood killer diseases have been significantly curtailed due to effective vaccination campaigns across the state.

He assured that his administration remains committed to prioritising the health of residents, particularly in the area of immunisation.

He added that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure proper preservation of vaccines, urging mothers to ensure complete vaccination of their children.

The governor commended partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), among others, for their continued support in promoting a healthy state.

He disclosed that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) are currently undergoing revitalisation and called on residents to support government efforts in delivering qualitative healthcare services across the state.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, said the event was aimed at sensitising mothers on their crucial role in ensuring their children receive the appropriate vaccines.

He urged mothers and caregivers to present their children for various vaccinations during the week-long event, scheduled to run from 24th to 30th April 2025.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Ayodele Adiji, described children as future leaders and stressed the importance of mothers taking adequate care of them through vaccination and exclusive breastfeeding.

Speaking on behalf of partners, Dr. Adewale Adejugbagbe, who represented the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated that the event presents an opportunity for partners to renew their collective commitment to achieving equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, every community and every country in the WHO African Region.

According to him, immunisation is not only one of the most effective public health tools, but also a fundamental right, a shared responsibility and a vital investment in the future.

He added that vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, reduced infant mortality by 40 per cent and protected people from more than 30 deadly diseases.

Ihekweazu revealed that in 2024, the global community celebrated 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, describing the milestone as a reminder of the remarkable progress recorded and the work yet to be done.

He, however, lamented that despite the gains, many still lack access to essential vaccines, stating: “One in five children in Africa remains under-vaccinated. In 2023 alone, 6.7 million children received no vaccines at all, so-called ‘zero-dose’ children. Measles outbreaks persist, while vaccine-derived poliovirus continues to pose a threat.”

He further urged communities to stand firm against misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.