By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

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In a bold move to stamp out vaccine-preventable diseases among children, the Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Ayotunde Akinfolarin, has declared war against childhood illnesses, urging parents to embrace the upcoming immunisation campaign as a lifeline.

With the National Immunisation Plus Days set to hold between May 3 and 6, Akinfolarin said the council would spare no effort in ensuring that children in the local government receive full doses of vital vaccines.

He warned that negligence on the part of parents could expose their wards to diseases that ought to have been long defeated through routine immunisation.

According to the council boss, vaccines to be administered during the four-day exercise include measles, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), other routine immunisations, and vitamin A supplements, all of which are crucial to strengthening children’s immunity.

“This is not just a health programme, it is a rescue mission for our children,” Akinfolarin said.

He disclosed that health workers would be strategically stationed in public places like schools, markets, motor parks, churches and mosques, in addition to conducting door-to-door visits, all in a bid to capture every eligible child.

While praising the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) for driving the initiative with consistency and passion, Akinfolarin assured that the council would provide maximum logistical and moral support to ensure the smooth running of the campaign.

He noted that the fight against child killer diseases cannot be won without the active participation of parents and communities.

“Let us rise to this responsibility. It’s a collective fight. We owe it to the next generation,” he said.