VANGUARD
The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has attributed the outbreak of measles and other diseases in Nigeria to a decline in herd immunity, importation of cases, waning immunity and poor public health infrastructure, among others.
The UNICEF Consultant on Social and Behavioral, Dr. Pita Obam, who stated this at a one-day meeting of the State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (S-SOMTEC) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, noted that issues of misinformation and vaccination hesitancy have continued to aggravate the situation.
The programme was organised by the State Ministry of Information and Strategy, in conjunction with UNICEF and other stakeholders.
While attributing the continuous outbreak of measles and other diseases in the country to the low level of vaccination, Obam said all hands must be on deck to ensure quality participation, by all stakeholders in the State.
“All stakeholders must support in creating awareness and the dissemination of key messages through official channels.
“They must also help in countering rumours of vaccine safety, engage in supportive supervision and resolve non-compliance,” the consultant said.
He added that measles was highly contagious and therefore the need to protect children through vaccination.
Speaking on the upcoming measles vaccination campaign in the state, Obam said it was scheduled to run from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25, advising parents to ensure they vaccinate their children.
”The target age is that of children between nine and 59 months, and they are expected to complete their childhood immunisation at a health facility to eliminate ‘zero dose children’,” he said.
