By Emmanuel Dada
Oyo State government has called on parents and guardians to ensure their children are immunized against measles.
Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, OYSPHCB, Dr. Muyideen Olatunji made the call during the integrated measles immunization campaign flag-off in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Dr. Olatunji who was represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, OYSPHCB, Dr. Johnson Osoko noted that it was imperative for parents to immunize their children to prevent diseasesΒ and untimely death.
Dr. Olatunji who disclosed that the state government is hoping to immunize all children between the ages of zero to fifty-nine months before the dry season, stated that the immunization process, which kicked off on Saturday, will end on Friday, the 25th of this month.
Also speaking at the event, the Medical Officer of Health, MOH, Ibadan North Local Government, Dr. Sunday Adewole, urged parents and guardians to be campaigners of measles vaccination and other vaccinations.
Speaking on behalf of all partners and stakeholders, State Coordinator for the World Health Organization, WHO, in Oyo State, Dr. Paul Ajayi emphasized the need to prioritize community immunization to keep measles away from the state.
Also present at the flag-off were representatives of collaborating organizations which include, United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF, Consultant in Oyo State, Mr Samuel Olatunji, Oyo State Health Educator, SHE, Mr Samuel Olarinde; African Field Epidemiology Network, AFENET and National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA.
