'Over 4.5 million children to get free vaccination against polio,' Governor says

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March 2, 2016 11:35 AM

Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos state during a meeting with Olufemi Onanuga, special adviser on Primary Healthcare stated that over 4.5 million children within the ages of 0 – 5 will benefit from the free vaccination against polio.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

Ambode added that the Lagos state government will mount 752 fixed posts, use 2,189 house-to-house team members and 1,712 transit teams for the polio vaccination exercise and would use the house-to-house strategy to reach children in various homes, markets, churches, mosques, etc.

“This immunisation is free, effective and safe, with little gifts as incentives for immunised children. Parents and caregivers should take advantage of the exercise to boost the immunity of their children by vaccinating them at government designated centres.

“We have invested a lot in the training of health workers at the state, local and ward levels to build their capacities. We are also collaborating with international and non-governmental organisations such as WHO, Rotary International, CHAI, JICA and UNICEF, among others.

Read: Government reopens hospital that was closed in Lagos due to virus scare

“We have also contracted technical facilitators and independent monitors to provide technical assistance and supervisory support to the immunisation officials throughout the campaign period,” he added.

Most recently, the Lagos state ministry of health reopened the , Ojokoro in Lagos after it was closed over a reported case of a Lassa fever patient referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in January.

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