Worried by the outbreak of measles epidemic in some part of kogi state,the government has directed the stakeholders to increase uptake of immunization to prevent the spread of the disease.
The State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, stated this at Lokoja yesterday at a meeting with Council Chairmen, Traditional rulers and Religious leaders, on polio eradication in the State.
The governor said despite the 90% success record of immunization coverage, using pentavalent vaccine that was recently introduced in the State in July 2013, he said he is still disturbed by the recorded incidences of measles outbreak.
The State Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi said the Council Chairmen in the State should put in place necessary administrative machinery in their Primary Healthcare Institutions.
The Governor called on the Council Chairmn to ensure that they improve and maintain on their Primary Healthcare infrastructures which will assist in the reduction of polio and other preventable diseases in the state.
Capt. Wada charged Religious and Traditioal leaders not to rest on their oars in the mobilization of their followers and subjects, saying, there is a need to present their children for routine immunization and other health services of the State Government.
He disclosed further that he will continue to identify with partners over the funding of immunization programs that is aimed at reducing child killer diseases, like measles and polio.
Governor Wada assured that the State will continue to pay its counterpart funds that will enable the people to enjoy qualitative health care delivery services.
In his remarks, Dr. Idris Omede, Commissioner for Health, described as worrisome the continued incidences of measles outbreak in Lokoja and Igalamela/Odolu LGA’s after the October 2013 integrated measles campaign on the State.
The Commissioner for Health called for continued social mobilization activities, and for the sustenance of the gains attained in past routine immunization and polio eradication in the State.