By: Lateef Akintunde

Residents of Ogun State have been advised to take advantage of a week- long measles and yellow fever vaccination exercise, to  gain full immunity that will further protect them against  contagious diseases. 

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker  gave the advice at the flag-off of the vaccination campaign,in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area(LGA) of the State, affirming that the vaccines are safe and effective.

Coker, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola said children of ages 9 months to 59 months are eligible to take measles vaccine, while the yellow fever is for age 9months to 44years

The Commissioner added that the mass vaccination campaign has commenced from Friday,  June 17, to  Friday July 8, 2022 in  public health facilities and designated vaccination posts such as Schools, Religious houses,Industries, Markets,Motor parks across the State. 

In his keynote address, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Gabriel Ogunyomi said the campaign was a demonstration of government's commitment to end killer diseases such as Polio, Measles, Yellow Fever, among others, as well as  revitalise the primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in the State.

Ogunyomi lauded the State government's effort for chosen the LGA for the ceremony, assured of maximum support for a successful implementation of the campaign. 

Speaking in their separate goodwill messages,  representative of World Health Organisation (WHO), National Primary Health Care Development  Agencies (NPHCDA) and United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), said the health campaigns are crucial to ensure progress in the realisation of childrens' right to good health care. 

Given his royal endorsement, the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdul Azeez Adelakun, represented by Aro of Ayetoro, Chief Mufutau Oyeyemi called on  parents and caregivers to avail their children and wards the opportunity of the exercise, noting that it would go a long way in curbing diseases. 

Cross section of mothers and adults at the event commended the various health initiatives of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration, saying information on the vaccination would be shared with others in their communities.