The Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has tasked stakeholders on the need for comprehensive polio immunisation in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Francis Akanbiemu, who spoke at the stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Akure, said successful coverage would depend on the stakeholders’ commitment.

The meeting which was on National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) is to immunise children between ages 0 and 59 months against poliomyelitis from June 28 to July 1.

He said, “We called you again because without you, nothing can be achieved. Please, don’t be tired. We urge you, traditional and religious rulers, market leaders, NGOs and media, to speak for children’s health. This will enable their parents and guardians to bring them out and access the second round of NIPDs.’’

The permanent secretary said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was doing his best to ensure that all categories of residents remained healthy.

He said, “The governor supports every activity that will promote healthcare in the state.’’

Mr Akanbiemu appreciated partners for providing financial and medical support in ensuring that the state had a quality healthcare system.

According to him, the assiduous efforts of all stakeholders gave resounding success in the previous immunisations in the state.

Also speaking, the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Adebayo Ibraheem, said that NIPDs were important because they would bring proper and adequate immunity to eligible children in avoiding polio and other preventable diseases.

Mr Ibraheem added that Nigeria was currently battling with variants of poliomyelitis, hence the need for everyone to support the immunisation campaign.

The WHO representative noted that the state had been outstanding in immunisation programmes, commending the agency for doing well.

Similarly, the state’s immunisation officer, Florence Fadiji, asked the stakeholders to intensify supportive supervision of the exercise and propagate the campaign at home, on the streets and at religious centres.

UNICEF Consultant, Moronke Orhorhamreru, asked the stakeholders to mobilise communities and disseminate accurate health information that would address rumours and vaccine hesitancy.

(NAN)