The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Akwa Ibom has urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children aged 0-59 months are fully immunised against childhood diseases to save their lives.

Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the state director of the agency, made the call during the commemoration of World Immunisation Day on Monday in Uyo.

World Immunisation Day is celebrated annually on November 10 to ensure the protection of children against childhood diseases.

The theme of the celebration is “Vaccines for All: Protecting Our Future Together.”

Mr Mkpoutom said vaccines remain one of the most cost-effective and impactful public health interventions.

Referencing World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, he stated that immunisation prevents more than three million child deaths annually from diseases such as measles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and influenza.

“This year’s theme reminds us that no one should be left behind and that every child, regardless of race or religion, deserves protection and the chance to live free from preventable diseases.

“Every community deserves the strength that comes from collective immunity. Some of the benefits of immunisation include the prevention of deadly outbreaks like measles, polio, and hepatitis,” he said.

Mr Mkpoutom appealed to state residents to ensure their children complete routine immunisation schedules.

He also urged adults to stay informed about adult vaccines, such as those for Hepatitis B, COVID-19, and influenza.

Mr Mkpoutom urged parents to support local health campaigns and help dispel myths and misinformation about vaccines, as well as advocate for accessible vaccination services in every community.

He added that Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) in the 31 local government areas of the state are under an obligation to sensitise and mobilise community members for active participation in issues related to the immunisation of women and children.

(NAN)