The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has described community participation as an essential tool in policy decision of the agency just as he commended stakeholders for their support in the success of previous immunisation exercises in the state.
He made the assertion during the social mobilisation committee meeting yesterday in Akure.
Akanbiemu who was represented by the Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. (Mrs) Yetunde Olagbuji, noted that the agency has recorded successes in its activities due to the support from stakeholders, especially in immunisation coverage.
While noting that the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) starts tomorrow (Saturday), he reiterated the agency’s commitment towards embracing community participation in order to achieve more successes in the state.
Giving an update of the second round of the OBR in the state, State Immunisation Officer, OSPHCDA, Mrs Comfort Olagundoye noted that the state had two OBRs in May and June which she described as a huge success.
According to her, the first round recorded 101 percent coverage while 103 percent coverage was recorded for the second round adding that there was no Local Government Area which had less than 80 percent in LOPV2.
Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye described stakeholders as important tool for awareness creation and crisis management during the exercise.
He explained that for the Outbreak Response activities (OBR) there are three types of polio virus; types 1, 2 and 3 noting that the vaccine to conquer both types 1and 3 will be the one administered starting from tomorrow till next Tuesday.
Shedding light on the integration of Vitamin A to NIPDs, Director, Nutrition, OSPHCDA, Mrs Kikelomo Adejuwon described as enormous the benefits of Vitamin A in children.
Also speaking, State health Educator, Mrs. Yetunde Akinyosoye sensitised the people in preparation for the Men A(meningitis vaccination) which will soon be introduced into the schedule of immunisation.
Speaking on social mobilisation in NIPDs, Vitamin A and Men A, a Communication for Development consultant, UNICEF, Mrs Joke Kujeiya explained that the strategy for the NIPDs focuses on quality which demands a new approach in social mobilisation dialogue which must be intentional in order to facilitate change through interdisciplinary measures.
By Kemi Olatunde
