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MAKURDI: Just as the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has flagged off the one week, 2024 National Measles Campaign in the state, he stated that Benue has made arrangements that would make the State Taskforce on Immunisation functional.
Meanwhile, UNICEF said it has procured and supplied to the state about 1,118,000 doses of measles vaccines that would be administered to a target of over 2 million children in the next one week.
The Governor made this known while flagging off the 2024 National Measles Campaign, which would also serve as the avenue for Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) at Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Monday.
Governor Alia, explained that a functional Taskforce would subsequently lead to the inauguration of LGAs Taskforces that would meet the demand of the Presidential Taskforce on Immunization.
He said, “The appointment of the Executive Secretary to the Primary Health Care Board is to ensure the smooth running of the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) to facilitate the successful operation of the strategy of Primary Health Care Under one Roof (PHCUoR) in Benue state.
“This will definitely strengthen the operation of all the components of Primary Health Cares (PHCs). Resources have also been committed to meet all demands for full accreditation of the school of Nursing/Midwifery and existence of Benue State School of Health Technology to enhance middle cadre manpower training in the health sector.
“Adequate arrangements have been put in place for full functionality of the State Taskforce on Immunisation and subsequent inauguration of LGAs Taskforces to meet the demand of the Presidential Taskforce on Immunization which Benue State is signatory to. The importance of these Taskforces can never be overemphasized as it will ensure full uptake of immunisation by the communities.
“There is plan to provide Cooling vans and other vehicles to Ministry of Health to implement the PUSH SYSTEM of vaccine distribution to the 23 LGAs as recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). This is to ensure uninterrupted vaccine supply to Health facilities for children and mothers.
“For effective implementation of this round of National Measles Campaign, the State Government has released counterpart fund for purchase of medical kits to contain any ‘’Adverse Event Following Immunization” (AEFI) and to support this flagoff exercise.
“The state Government is also supporting with logistics for hard-to-reach communities to be reached and for effective supervision” Governor Alia said.
Meanwhile, the Field Specialist, UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Dr Ifenyinwa Anyanyo, said that the organisation has made available to the state over one million doses of measles vaccines for the exercise.
Represented at the occasion by Yusuf Mvumble, Vaccine Security Logistics (VSL), Consultant, Dr Anyanyo noted that immunization has proved to be the most sustainable public health remedy against vaccine preventable disease.
She further observed that “Immunization against childhood diseases such as BCG, PENTA, DPT, polio, MenA, measles and most recently HPV vaccines introduced into RI (Routine Immunisation) schedule are the most cost effective and efficient methods of preventing childhood morbidity and mortality.
“Measles Is considered one of the most contagious diseases. It is the leading killer among vaccine preventable diseases and causes an estimated 44 percent of the 1.7 million vaccine preventable deaths among children each year (WHO).
“The case fatality rate of measles in developing countries is high, particularly among infants, and reaches 30% among patients admitted to hospital. Thus the need for a robust vaccination program aimed at targeting eligibles irrespective of who they are and where they live as we work toward achieving universal health coverage.
“In this light, UNICEF procured and supplied, 1,118,000 doses of measles vaccines bundled and other commodities ACSM activities provided 60,000 per 716 teams, for their movement in all the wards of the state to ensure no eligible child is left behind, provided funding for vaccine collection and baking of icepacks, management of waste that will be generated, procured and supplied 600 pieces of vaccine carriers and 300 Giostyle – to facilitate potency of vaccines during transportation and service for the Measles campaign and other subsequent health programs, capacity building of LCCOs and immunization waste managers in the 23 LGAs of the State.
“However, in order to provide equal access to health care for our people, there is a passionate plea for the State Governments, development partners and stakeholders to own and champion a nexus of health program so that together we can reduce vaccine hesitancy, provide adequate healthcare infrastructure, enhance public health awareness and education” among other responsibilities.
Also speaking at the occasion, the WHO, State Coordinator, Benue State Field Office, Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, said “Between January 2024 till date, Benue state have reported series of Measles outbreaks across 16 LGAs including Vandeikya with 327 suspected cases, 73 confirmed cases and 2 deaths.”
Represented at the flag off by Chigbo Ogechi, the Surveillance Officer, WHO Benue State office, Abdulkarim said, “However, with the effect of vaccination, we have the means to prevent this illness and protect our children to ensure a healthier future for all. The WHO is committed to supporting Nigeria in its mission to eliminate measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
“I commend the government of Benue State, our dedicated healthcare workers, and all partners involved in this campaign for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Your dedication is a testament to the strength and resilience of this community.
“To the parents and guardians, I urge you to bring your children to the nearest vaccination points across our communities. By doing so, you are not only protecting your own children but also contributing to the health and safety of the entire community. Together, we can achieve a Measles free Benue state”, he assured. End.
