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| Dr Janet Ekpenyong, DG CRSPHCDA |
Ukorebi Esien | 19th June 2020, Calabar
The Cross River State Government through its Primary Healthcare Development Agency has commenced the sensitization of its citizens on vaccine-preventable diseases, urging women especially nursing mothers to keep to the 6 routine immunization appointments for their wards to avoid deaths of infants in the state as a result of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong made the call while addressing the public on the importance of strict adherence to immunization exercise and the resultant effects when missed.
Dr. Ekpenyong said, globally one of the highest causes of infant mortality is illnesses that can be vaccinated against while also emphasizing that vaccines are the sourest antidotes for childhood killer diseases.
She however admonished parents and caregivers to make their wards available for vaccination especially as the state is set to kick start its routine measles and immunization exercise across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
"We all know that there are other diseases that are killing our people especially children aside Covid19, and so as a state, we have chosen to start an integrated campaign against all childhood killer diseases and for a start the measles campaign. It worries some to note that many women are depriving their kids of this privilege and as a state, we can't afford to manage another pandemic after Covid19
I want to debunk every rumor out there that there are poisonous vaccines being imported and circulated across the country. Emphatically I must say that our vaccines in Cross River State are safe and they are potent in line with the World Health Organization's standard and best practices. Our central cold store is working, and in our various facilities, we have solar panel refrigerators to store these vaccines.
I want to encourage all our mothers and caregivers to as a matter of concern to take their children and wards to the nearest Primary Health care Facilities around them and get them immunized.
Immunization is free and if taken accurately will ensure the development of antibodies of their children".
Also speaking, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Joy Chabo, charged pregnant women to make maximum utility of health facilities around them in order to receive vaccines that will protect them and their unborn children.
Concluding, the state Mobilization officer, Mrs. Nsa Ekpenyong said the agency has engaged the services of town criers in the rural areas, reached out to traditional, religious, and group leaders to permit health workers access their communities and facilities to administer vaccines to their kids as well as pregnant women.
The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has commenced a statewide campaign to mobilize women out for routine immunization.
Some of the diseases to be immunized include
Poliomyelitis
Tuberculosis
Hepatitis B
Diphtheria
Pneumonia
Measles
Yellow fever
Diarrhea among others.
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