Kwara State Government strengthens commitment to fight Vaccine-Preventable childhood diseases

The Kwara State Government has renewed its dedication to fighting vaccine-preventable diseases among children, aiming to protect the most vulnerable against deadly health threats.

Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who also chairs the Taskforce Committee on Immunization, highlighted this commitment during a recent taskforce meeting held in his office. He assured that the state would continue to enhance immunization and primary healthcare efforts to safeguard children’s health, pledging to equip and build primary healthcare facilities to ensure affordable, quality services for all residents, both in urban and rural areas.

Alabi praised the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, led by Executive Secretary Dr. Nusirat Elelu, for its efforts to combat diseases, especially polio. He also acknowledged the support from development partners and stakeholders who have contributed to these healthcare initiatives.

Dr. Elelu shared the agency’s recent efforts, revealing that Kwara was among the first states to implement the new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduced by the Federal Government to prevent cervical cancer in girls. She further reported on the agency’s achievements, including zero-dose mapping to identify under-immunized children and local immunization days aimed at increasing coverage rates for key antigens.

Additionally, the agency has carried out various public health campaigns, such as World Breastfeeding Week and the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), which targeted pregnant women and children under five. Other initiatives included distributing folic acid supplements and holding food demonstration sessions at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs).

However, Dr. Elelu noted challenges, including limited compliance from migrant populations, lack of active participation from some local government chairmen in review meetings, and the absence of counterpart funding from local governments. She urged local leaders to prioritize immunization efforts in their communities and called for local government chairmen to support routine immunization and healthcare programs by contributing counterpart funds, crucial for sustaining these initiatives across Kwara’s 16 Local Government Areas.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Elelu acknowledged the dedication of government officials, partners, and traditional and religious leaders, whose support has been instrumental in advancing the state’s immunization programs. She also sought continued support for future campaigns.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Governor Alabi, gathered key stakeholders in Kwara’s primary healthcare sector and partnering organizations to discuss ongoing and upcoming healthcare initiatives.