Polio: Etsako East Flags-Off Polio Immunization, Calls For Sensitization By Traditional And Religious Leaders
Chairman Etsako East Local Government Area Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh has appealed for traditional rulers and community leaders, community-based organizations, religious bodies, individuals, and families to join in mobilizing mothers and caregivers to make their children available to health workers who have been deployed across various communities in Etsako East Local government Area for vaccination against Polio disease.
“Polio vaccine is not COVID-19 Vaccine. Do not hide your Children as some did during the Covid 19 vaccination”
Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Stated this today at the Okpekpe Primary Health Center during the official flag-off exercise of the Polio Immunization.
She thanked the Wake and See Governor of Edo State for his commitment in ensuring Edo children are safe and healthy. She described Polio as a preventable disease through vaccination saying immunization is the best protection against polio and is recommended for all infants, and children to protect them from the harmful effects of polio.
She called on stakeholders to support the local government health workers by ensuring compliance and helping to create mass awareness of the Polio Immunization campaign that will continue from today Friday till Tuesday next week while Wednesday and Thursday will be used for mop up. Any community that the health workers have not visited between now and Monday should raise an alarm. Polio vaccination is your right and it is free she said.
Speaking also at the flag-off Exercise, the state facilitator Catherine Darpokpo said the State government is committed in ensuring that Edo State is polio-free. Her view was also echoed by other speakers at the occasion.
On his part, HRH, Apa Peter Abalumhe Osigbemeh, Onwueweko Clan Head of Okpekpe Kingdom, thanked the state government and the Local Government Chairman for considering Okpekpe for the flag-off of the Polio Immunization assuring that health workers will be given the needed cooperation to ensure the success of the program.
In his welcome address, the coordinator of Primary Health Care in the council Dr. Damisa reiterated that immunization intends to promote the growth of children and urged mothers in Etsako East to make their children available as health workers will be visiting their homes to vaccinate their Children for free.
