The Ondo state government has flagged off Rotavirus vaccination with a call on parents and caregivers to present all eligible children for the Vaccination in health facilities nearest to them.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka while performing the flag off ceremony in Akure, Ondo state capital, said the government of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, is committed to the protection of children in the state.
Dr Ajaka said Rotavirus is a deadly disease and therefore all efforts to protect the children through hygienic environment and immunization must be taken by parents and caregivers.
The Commissioner appreciated the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners for supporting the introduction of RotaVirus vaccine into the routine immunization schedule in the state.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile corrected the belief that diarrhoea disease is caused by teething in children noting that good hygiene, healthy living, and immunization protect them against Rotavirus which is the major cause of the watery stool in children.
In his own speech, the Permanent Secretary of Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Francis Adegoke Akanbiemu said Ondo State government under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, is noted for proactiveness when it comes to health issues which according to him made the state a leading light in the country.
Akanbiemu said children died of diarrhoeal diseases in the past as a result of dehydration saying that with the availability of the Rotavirus vaccine, an end has come to diarrhea in children in Ondo State.
In a goodwill message, from partners, the Coordinator of World Health Organization in Ondo State, Dr Dele David who spoke on behalf of others , said the Rotavirus vaccine is a new potent vaccine that combat diarrhea in children and has now been introduced into the routine immunization schedule across the country.
Dr David informed mothers and caregivers to spread the news about the new vaccine through various platforms they belong to reach other mothers and caregivers in the state.
Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea in children.
The virus spreads easily among infants and young children and can cause Severe diarrhea (watery stool), vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
Eligible children expected to take 3 doses of the vaccine at age 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks.
In attendance at the flag off ceremony were directors, programme officers, religious leaders, Iyalojas / Iyalajes, nursing mothers as well as health workers.
Ayo Falana
OSPHCDA.