By Kemi Olatunde

Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has stressed the need for proper integration in order to obtain massive improvement in all PHC activities.

He spoke in Akure during a day state level training for the forthcoming integrated measles campaign.

Describing integration as the way to go as it yields improve services, he noted that it is practicable and effective, adding that integration approach has brought proximity of vaccination posts especially the COVID-19.

While calling on participants to scale down the acquired knowledge in their various health facilities, he urged them to put in more effort in ensuring that eligible residents are vaccinated against COVID-19 in the state.

In his welcome address, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye expressed appreciation to partners noting that they have contributed in mi small measure to the improvement of the state health sector.

He explained that the forthcoming measles campaign involves the integration of all PHC activities adding that all must show an improved level of compassion during the exercise.

State Immunisation Officer, Mrs Comfort Oladunjoye disclosed that three states in Nigeria; Lagos, Ogun and Gombe were selected for the integration approach  adding that the deployment of advance team contributed in fast tracking of the pre implementation activities.

She explained that the state has all hands on deck to prevent the observed challenges, adding that states should adopt and strengthen integration of PHC services and other intervention in line with the agency’s slogan of “one country, one team, one plan, and one budget”.

State Coordinator, WHO, Dr. Dele David appreciated the role of PHC in improving the health status of citizens and assured of the organisation ‘support in ensuring success during the campaign.

While reiterating the commitment of WHO in eradicating measles in the state, he noted that some local governments have experience outbreak of measles in the state adding that the organisation will continue to do the needful calling on stakeholders put in more effort in order to tackle it.