The Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, has called on traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, and corporate organizations to provide the necessary support to ensure the state achieves its vaccination targets.
Sir Onyeme made the call on Tuesday while flagging off the first round of the National Immunization Plus Days, organized by the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The deputy governor who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Chris Osakwe, emphasized that the success of the oral polio vaccination campaign was a collective responsibility, especially for parents and caregivers.
He urged them to bring their children for vaccination, stressing that the National Immunization Plus Days are designed to close the gap in routine immunization coverage.
Sir Onyeme warned that polio causes paralysis and death, and urged stakeholders to take advantage of the upcoming campaign scheduled for May 3 to May 6, 2025.
The deputy governor said the campaign targeted children aged 0–59 months, adding that the vaccines would be administered from house-to-house and at fixed posts and in schools, religious centers, markets, and transit locations.
He noted that the immunization drive would boost herd immunity, emphasizing that vaccinating one child could have benefits for generations.
He reaffirmed that the MORE Agenda remained people-centered and was committed to the health security of all Deltans regardless of location, religion, or social status and emphasized that the vaccines are safe, effective, and free, while appreciating partners for their support.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, explained that polio was transmitted via the faeco-oral route and was linked to poor sanitation, which remained a concern in parts of Nigeria.
He highlighted that while wild polio virus transmission had been halted in Nigeria,but the variants still persisted and assured that trained health workers are fully prepared for the exercise and called on parents and caregivers to fully participate.
Functional Director of the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Paul Yinkore, assured the public that the vaccines are safe, free of charge, and part of the state’s commitment to eliminating polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Partners including WHO, UNICEF, and the Paediatrics Association of Nigeria commended the state government’s efforts in combating disease and improving the state’s health indicators.
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