By Kemi Olatunde

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Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has reiterated government commitment towards ensuring qualitative health care delivery to residents.

He spoke in an opening remarks at a stakeholders meeting in preparation for the exercise yesterday in Akure.

According to him, OBR is one of the important programmes that protect children noting that protection against preventable childhood diseases is a way to ensure longevity in children.

While stating that the vaccination will be taken by children between 0 month and five years, he said that other antigens are available for others between 0 month and 23 months.

Describing diseases as one of the main causes of childhood death in Africa, he stressed the need for effective vaccination against diseases.

While speaking further, he explained that government has invested heavily in the exercise calling on stakeholders to assist in ensuring large turn out of eligible children for  it.

In terms of health services, he hinted that government has been doing its best noting that it employed over 800 health workers between 2021 and early 2022 adding that the process has not ended.

According to him, a lot of renovations have been put in place in various Primary Health Care facilities adding that government will not relent in investing in infrastructural development of the facilities.

He admonished residents to key into the insurance scheme of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission so as to access health without out of pocket payment at facilities.

Speaking briefly with The Hope, he enjoined all to embrace the COVID-19 vaccination stating that vaccines are available at every health facility to cater for the health needs of residents.

Director, Community Health and Education, Dr. Samuel Abiona while appreciating stakeholders for their support solicited for more to ensure the success of the exercise.

Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye stressed the need for continuous sensitisation of residents on programmes of the Agency especially the forthcoming vaccination which according to him lasts five days stating that vaccination prevents outbreak of diseases which according to him can affect both lives and economy of the state.

He called on them to ensure that all nooks and crannies of the state are adequately informed about the exercise.

State Mobilisation Officer, Mrs Yetunde Akinyosoye called in stakeholders to play their role well in ensuring that eligible children are not left out in the exercise.

Representative, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Israel Popoola stressed the need for health educators to review their strategy for more effectiveness adding that health workers should always take precautions against both COVID-19 and LASSA Fever saying “you should also advise residents on the need to embrace clean environment.”

Responding, stakeholders assured of more commitment and support for government in ensuring success in all programmes.