By Kemi Olatunde

In continuation of its sensitisation drive, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, has taken the awareness campaign of Immunisation plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, to the northern senatorial district of Ondo State.

Speaking at the programme which was held in Ikare Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government, Permanent Secretary, OSPHCDA, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, said that the awareness campaign aimed at seeking the support of stakeholders at ensuring the success of the IMPACTS project in the six local government areas of the senatorial district.

Akanbiemu who was represented by the Director, Health System Development of the Agency, Dr Adeayo Omotehinse, said IMPACT project is all about access to quality health services, strengthening implementation of institutions and improving societal well-being.

He said to achieve these, the Agency would be meeting with stakeholders like traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, opinion moulders, market men and women among others , across the state to inform them about the project and as well solicit their cooperation to ensure it is successful in the state.

Akanbiemu noted that the project has two components including Malaria and Immunisation plus, with special focus on pregnant women, children under 5 and people living with sickle cell anaemia.

While delivering the sensitisation lecture on Malaria, the Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) Officer of IMPACT in the State, Mrs Mercy Ajibola said Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vector of malaria transmission which if not treated early could lead to serious damage in human system.

Ajibola highlighted measures to curtail the menace of malaria to include, a clean environment, use of insecticide treated net, testing of all fever before treatment, avoiding self medication and usage of approved ACT drugs and completion of the medication as prescribed by medical specialist

Also speaking on the Immunisation Plus components, the Case Manager, RMNCH+N, Dr,Tunde Akinbinu emphasised the need for pregnant women to attend ante natal clinic regularly, deliver the baby under skill birth attendants

He also stressed the importance of the first post natal clinic, ( BCG) as well as, 6, 10, 14 weeks, 6 months and 9 months, noting that for a child to grow and have healthy development, such a child must complete the Immunisation stages .

Akinbinu advised women to eat the ballance diet before and during pregnancy for the child not to be malnourished.

The sensitisation programme which had in attendance the royal fathers, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youth leaders, market women from all the 6 local government areas, was also attended by all the 6 directors of PHC Authorities from the 6 local government areas of the senatorial district. The local governments are Owo, Ose, Akoko South East, Akoko North East, Akoko North West and Akoko South West.