NIPDs Begins 2nd Round in Bayelsa
In a renewed push to bolster child health and community immunity, the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, through its Health Promotion and Education Department, hosted a crucial stakeholders meeting to strategize for Round 2 of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs).
The meeting, held at the SERICC Hall in Yenagoa, brought together key players in the health sector, including representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, WOMAN, ENWAF, and various community-based organizations.
Director Health Promotion and Education, Ms Jacqueline Angaye in her opening remark noted that the meeting was aimed at educating and informing relevant stakeholders on the immunization program for children under 5years with the Oral Polio vaccine.
Ms Angaye who commended all stakeholders for the huge success of the last immunization exercise in the state also urged them to put in more efforts to achieve a hundred percent success in this second phase.
Speaking on an overview of the National Immunization Plus Days Campaign, Social and Behavioural Change Consultant, UNICEF, Dr Makio Perekeme explained that polio is still a threat hence, it is the duty of all to protect the life and future of the children in the state.
“We all play a role in the health of our children, in our churches, mosques, schools, we have to protect our children from vaccine preventable diseases, we must ensure that every child gets immunized”
He appealed to all the stakeholders to be intentional in creating awareness and spreading the information to ensure that polio is eradicated in the state.
He also appealed to parents and care givers to make their children available to receive the vaccine including the malaria, diphtheria and HPV vaccines.
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Father Joseph Opelema gave assurance that they would support the health officials to immunize children in various churches.
“We understand the purpose of this which is saving lives, we as church leaders have fully involved ourselves in this cause. I also want the authorities to pay attention to those in the prisons as many of them are having severe health challenges”
Executive Director, Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi noted that the importance of immunization cannot be overemphasized hence, she would work with her team to spread the message in various public places such as schools and markets.
She promised to propagate, advocate, network, mentor and spread the gospel of immunization to the Bayelsa indigents.
On her part, Administrative Secretary, ENWAF, Ebizimo Agedah pointed out that the foundation would redouble its efforts in community outreaches to educate and inform more people on the importance and benefits of immunization.
The National Immunization Plus Days Campaign, Phase 2 begins on the 28th of June to the 1st of July 2025. Vaccination will occur in health facilities, households, schools, churches, market places and other public places.
