Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Friday in Benin promised that the state would achieve 100 per cent immunisation coverage against diseases across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, made the promise during the flag-off of the 2019 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) in the state.
According to him, the state achieved a coverage of 93 per cent for the 2018 national immunisation plus days.
“Now our target for this year exercise is 100 per cent; all children of eligible age must be reached with the vaccine.
“We intend to maintain the polio free status the state has enjoyed since 2009.
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“I am using this opportunity to appeal to mothers, fathers, caregivers, religious and community leaders to ensure their children are vaccinated.
“The importance of immunisation cannot be over emphasised; it is crucial to the survival of our children and prevention against deadly vaccine preventable diseases.
Children of 0 to 5 years of age will be administered two drops of oral polio vaccine and other routine antigens,” he said.
Obaseki assured the public that his administration was committed to re-engineering and repositioning health care services, in line with the Edo Improvement Programme.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO), Mrs Faith Ireye, gave the assurance that the vaccine was safe and good for children.
Ireye called on parents to in the state to avail their children of the opportunity to be vaccinated. (NAN)
