The Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency(OSPHCDA), says the state has attained 76 per cent immunisation coverage for children and pregnant women.

The permanent secretary of the agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, said this on Sunday in Akure.

Mr Akanbiemu explained that effective immunisation had been taken as a priority by the state government, hence all hands were often on deck to ensure its success.

“Immunisation coverage for children and pregnant women in Ondo State is now 76 per cent, even though it was 86 per cent before COVID-19 pandemic, which made it drop to 76.

“Ondo State is the only state to maintain this level in the South-West zone,” he stated.

The permanent secretary said that the government had not relented in ensuring that effectiveness and quality services were accomplished at the primary healthcare level.

“Our Cold Chain Store is running 24 hours without power failure and our vaccine is one of the potent vaccines in the country.

“In terms of maintenance of the cold chain, Ondo State remains to be beaten. Even when diesel prices were as high as N750, our generators did not blink. The diesel consumption is funded by the state government,” he said.

On pregnant women patronising traditional birth attendants and faith-based organisations for delivery, Mr Akanbiemu explained that the government was collaborating with Community Health Influencers and Promoters (CHIP) for effective monitoring.

He said that the CHIP had been trained to convince pregnant women of the need to patronise government-approved hospitals for delivery.

He said that the CHIP served as a link between the community members seeking healthcare and health centres, adding that the government paid them stipend on a monthly basis.

The permanent secretary noted that the collaboration had been impactful and stopped the death of pregnant women in the state. 

(NAN)