......... Targets full coverage
Cross River State Government through the Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with its implementing partners has flagged- off the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS 2) in the State with a targeting all zero dose coverage of children within the range of 0- 59 months.
Speaking during the flag-off exercise at Big Qua Primary Healthcare Centre in Calabar, Saturday, the Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. (Mrs.) Vivien Mesembe Otu said immunization is not merely an intervention but an investment in the future of the children, asserting that it is the shield that protect the children who are the very foundation of the society from fatal diseases.
According to the DG, while the routine immunization protect the child against the white polio virus, the second round of the National Immunization Plus Days is a special vaccine designed to contain the variant circulating poliomyelitis virus type 2 using NOPV.
Dr. Mesembe who stressed the need for comprehensive coverage during the exercise, assured mothers and caregivers that the vaccine was free, safe, effective and life-saver will last for four days with mop up on the 2nd and 3rd of July, 2025.
She noted that though the State was ranked the highest in the last immunization in the country report indicates, some of the children were not vaccinated, adding that this second round was aimed at ensuring that no eligible child is left behind.
" This round two of the National Immunization Plus Days is going to be serious business. As Healthcare workers, Agency and Partners, we will ensure no child is left behind. This we can achieve with the support of mothers and our fathers seated here today."
She encourage parents to ensure that children/wards get vaccinated inorder to achieve the State's target in immunization, adding that "fight against polio is a collective one and everyone must rise to the occasion for a healthy and polio free Cross River."
Dr. Mesembe commended stakeholders and partners for their cooperation while expressing hope for more collaboration.
In his remarks, the Director General, Cross River State Health insurance Agency, Mr. Godwin Iyala expressed Government's commitment to a better and healthy life for the people.
Mr. Iyala appealed to all present to encourage others to come out and have their children immunize not just for the State to maintain it prime position in the country immunization chart but to ensure it is free from preventable diseases, disclosing that the State has a free Health insurance cover for children 0- 5 years.
The event was climaxed by goodwill messages from implementation partners and immunization of children and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Mayor of Calabar, Apostle James Anam represented by his Vice, Pastor Okon Nyong, assured stakeholders of the Council's readiness to cooperate with partners to ensure the total eradication of polio and other preventable diseases. He charged mothers and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated.
