Gombe commences Rota Virus Vaccine into Routine Immunisation
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Less than 24 hours after receiving commendations from the National Medical Association of Nigeria on Thursday for transformation in health sector, the Gombe State Government has introduced Rota Virus Vaccine into Routine Immunisation, outbreak Response and Seasonal Malaria Chemo Prevention campaign in an effort to reduce infant mortality and morbidity.
The launching which took place at Deba/ Yamaltu Local Government Area of the state on Friday was with the collaboration of National and State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
In the statement, the launching was performed by the Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau at the Primary Health Centre in Kwadon.
The Deputy Governor who represented the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said, the state government has keyed into the Federal Government’s programme on health especially in the area of immunizations which is capable of reducing infant mortality and morbidity and other health related issues.
He said, “The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has introduced the Rotavirus Vaccine into the schedule of routine Immunization on 22nd August, 2022. Rota Virus infection amongst infants and young children accounts for 75% cases of diarrheal diseases , which, if not treated may lead to severe dehydration and death. The Rotavirus Vaccine is an effective preventive measures against diarrhea especially amongst children aged five years and below, thus reducing morbidity and mortality among them. The vaccine is given orally in 3 doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of life.
“Similarly, even through Africa and Nigeria has been certified Polio free, we still continue to isolate the Circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus in our communities. Therefore, we must not relent in our efforts to allow resurgence or reemergence of the Wild strain of Polio Virus in our state. This OBR campaign will start on 3rd September, 2022 and will last for a period of four days.
” Furthermore, I will like to inform parents that the state government through the state Ministry of Health has commenced the Implementation of Seasonal Malaria Chemo prevention where our teams of healthcare Personnel move from household to household distributing free antimalarial drugs for children aged 3 -59 months , according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Malaria is known to be one of the leading causes of child death in the country. However, Malaria is preventable through Seasonal Malaria Chemo prevention Campaign. The SMC campaign has since commenced in July and will last till October.”
He urged all parents and caregivers to ensure that they take their children for immunisation according to the schedule provided by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
” I will like to also assure you that the vaccines have undergone quality checks and have been found to be safe and effective with no side effects”.
” In my capacity as the Chairman of Stake Task Force in Immunization and PHC, let me urge all Chairmen of the LGA Task Forces on Immunisation and PHC to ensure that all eligible children in their respective LGAs are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases especially with the introduction of Rota Virus Vaccine. I will like to also employ all LGA Chairmen to support this campaign through their participation at evening review meetings during the campaign in order to resolve challenges that may arise during the exercise”.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru explained that the schedule of Routine Immunisation is important in the prevention of diseases and reducing infant mortality and morbidity.
He further explained that the vaccines would be available at Health Posts, primary Healthcare centres, Mosques, Churches and public places calling on parents and caregivers to bring their children for vaccination.
The Commissioner commended the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Traditional Rulers, Community and Religious Leaders as well as Development Partners for support towards ensuring the improvement of health care provision for the citizens.
Also, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahaman Shuaibu said the programme was to commence the campaign for the introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine into the Routine Immunization, Outbreak Response and Seasonal Malaria Chemo prevention.
The Executive Secretary added that the launching was made possible by the child killer diseases which presents high mortality and morbidity rate amongst infants.
He said the recently diagnosed Rota Virus which presents diarrhea in children leading to dehydration and death has constituted a serious health problem hence the introduction of the Rotavirus in the routine Immunization schedule.
He assured parents and care givers that the Vacines are free and efficacious, calling on them to make available their children for the vaccination.
Goodwill messages from the Representative of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Alh. Ahmed Yahaya, Coordinator of National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr.Shekarau Emmanuel and Representative of Centre for Integrated Health Programme , Mrs Deborah Zakayo who expressed their satisfactions and commendations over State Governments efforts towards improving the health of its citizens through counterpart fund payments and direct programmes on health and people oriented programmes.
They assured of their continued support and partnership with the state government towards successful implementation of the vaccination schedules and other health related programmes.
The Emir of Deba who delivered the vote of thanks, appreciated the Governor, his Deputy, and all health workers for their commitment to the well being of the people.
” I will like to urge all parents and caregivers to ensure that they give their maximum cooperation to the health workers while carrying out their exercise in order to achieve the ultimate goal of preventive measures against this deadly diseases,” he added.
