By Kemi Olatunde

The second round of National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) commences on Saturday, November 11, 2023, The Hope has gathered.

To this end, stakeholders have been called upon to ensure that the exercise records success in Ondo State.

Giving his opening remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting on second round of NIPDs on Wednesday in Akure, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a healthy state, noting that their commitment is crucial to the improvement in the health sector.

He revealed that the last NIPDs which was between late September and early October, 2023 recorded 100 percent by Federal Government assessment calling for more support for the upcoming exercise.

While stressing the need for the vaccination of children in the state, he stated that the rate of survival of below five year children has increased attributing it to massive vaccination uptake in the state.

He described the exercise as vaccination against polio saying “we don’t want any of our children in the state to be infected with any type of polio.”

While assuring residents of the safety of the vaccine, he called on stakeholders to sensitise residents against misinformation so that they can enjoy long life.

The vaccination according to the Permanent Secretary builds up the immunity of children noting that it will be given to children between the ages of zero and five years.

Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye while speaking noted that the meeting was aimed at reminding stakeholders about their function in ensuring a healthy state.

He expressed disappointment in some religious organisations and schools who prevent health workers from carrying out their role of vaccinating children stating that “it is against the Child Right Act.”

He called on stakeholders to get people informed at all cost on all vaccines irrespective of number so that residents can live longer.

State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr, Anslem Ologunwa who noted that the association has put in place effort to ensure that all key into the exercise, called on government to enforce the law.

Chief Imam, Gaga Community, Alhaja Yesufu Agbesinga while lamenting the negative effects of social media assured of support from the Muslim community for the success of the exercise.

Ondo State representative, National Association of Nursery and Primary Private Schools, Mrs Mary Akeredolu said that the group is putting in its best to partner with state government to do the needful especially in the area of health and assured of support in health programmes for the benefit of the people.