Through its Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Kwara government will commence the measles vaccination for children of nine to 59 months from October 26 to November 1.

Nusirat Elelu, the agency’s executive secretary, stated this on Thursday in Ilorin at a meeting with stakeholders on the measles immunisation campaign in Kwara.

She stated that there was a need to eradicate “misinformation and disinformation” regarding various vaccine interventions in Kwara.

Ms Elelu underscored the need for social mobilisation while acknowledging the challenges faced due to disinformation concerning immunisation programmes. 

The official explained that the rumours and misinformation concerning population control have no basis.

“Disinformation is hampering and interfering with public health intervention. There is a need to strengthen social mobilisation regarding citizens so that the right information at the right time will be made for the right people,” Ms Elelu added.

She pointed out that the stakeholders’ meeting was an opportunity to harness and utilise ideas to develop a template for the future. 

Ms Elelu observed the need for vaccination strategies so that the vulnerable population were not denied the opportunity to get life-saving healthcare intervention.

The official explained that when children get vaccinated, for some people, there may be adverse reactions, including pain and tenderness, which she said would eventually go away.

“Government has put in place a mechanism at referral centres to deal with such issues,” she added.

(NAN)