By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted november 18th, 2024
The Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation, in collaboration with UNICEF, hosted a one-day review meeting on Non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (NPSIA) on November 15, 2024, at Vichigate Hotel and Suites, Benin City.
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The event brought together media professionals, women-led civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to identify and address issues affecting vaccine uptake in the state and devise strategies to enhance immunization coverage.
Participants
In his keynote address, Dr. Desmond Agbama, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to healthcare as a priority under Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration. He underscored the need for collaboration to ensure effective healthcare delivery and achieve comprehensive immunization for children in Edo State.
Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, Director of Orientation, welcomed participants and emphasized the necessity of strategic engagements to combat parental reluctance towards immunization. She called for robust community mobilization and communication to foster vaccine acceptance and build public trust.
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State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Enogie Elfrida Omogun, provided an overview of the state’s progress in immunization. She highlighted successes, including the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus Multi-Age Cohort (HPVMAC) vaccine and integrated measles campaigns. Mrs. Omogun also outlined challenges such as healthcare service disparities, policy issues, and funding constraints.
The State Health Education Officer of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDPHCDA), Mrs. Irene Uabor, represented by the Assistant Health Education Officer, Mr. Aideyan Gabriel, addressed the barriers to vaccine trust. She identified key challenges, such as misinformation, complacency among community gatekeepers and inadequate social mobilization. She emphasized the need to counter such rumors and build trust with accurate, credible information.
The Measles Consultant with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Dr. Icomiare Adebudo, underscored the necessity of vaccine uptake to protect public health.
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The President of Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD), Edo State Chapter, Madam Ann Ojuigo, shared her personal story of living with the consequences of not receiving the polio vaccine, which according to her, has made her wheelchair-bound. She pledged to advocate for immunization to inspire others to embrace vaccines.
Similarly, the Social and Behavioural Change Specialist from the Lagos Field Office, Mrs. Akinola-Akinwole Aderonke, recommended the ‘5S’ strategy to combat vaccine misconceptions – Stop misinformation, Source credible data, spread accurate messages, share success stories, and Show trust through action.
Goodwill messages were received from various groups, media organizations and participants, including Rev. Mrs. Asemota Eniye of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Women’s Wing (Edo State Chapter), Hajia Audi Userat Esohe of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations (Edo State Chapter), Mrs. Louisa Eikhomun Agbonkhese of Echoes of Women in Africa (Edo State Chapter), and Hon. Florence Gbinigie of the Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP), represented by Abiodun Taiwo.
Key media organizations, including Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), the Nigerian Observer, and Raypower FM, committed to ongoing support for vaccine advocacy initiatives through their respective platforms during the one-day review of Non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (NPSIA) in Edo State. Their collaboration aims to boost public awareness and encourage vaccine uptake.
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Participants at the event discussed various challenges to vaccine acceptance, such as socio-cultural barriers, misinformation, limited outreach in rural areas, and poor attitudes among some healthcare workers. Proposed solutions included engaging civil society organizations (CSOs) in staff training and field monitoring, enhancing media partnerships, promoting the involvement of men in family immunization decisions, and improving storage facilities and healthcare accessibility in remote locations.