The Nasarawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF is targeting to vaccinate over one point five million eligible children in the upcoming integrated Polio Outbreak Response, OBR campaign in the area.
Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NAPHDA, Doctor Usman Sale disclosed this at a media dialogue ahead of the integrated OBR campaign.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Agency, Sunday Ayitonu, the Executive Secretary explained that the media engagement was aimed at reviewing the last campaign, which recorded ninety-three percent coverage.
He noted that more efforts were needed to achieve optimal results as cases of acute malnutrition were identified during the previous vaccination exercise.
Sale said this prompted the introduction of health camps in selected areas to address malnutrition and provide minor healthcare services.
Director of Nutrition at NAPHDA, Mrs Salome Aya pointed out that twenty four health camps would be deployed to four local government areas of Awe, Nasarawa, Keffi and Toto to provide nutrition services and treatment for minor illnesses.
She stated that children identified as malnourished during vaccination would be referred to the camps and treated.
A media consultant, Doctor Kalu Idika described the role of the media as critical in polio eradication, describing them as trusted and respected voices in disseminating accurate information and dispelling myths.
He added that the media also influenced policymakers and public health behaviour, urging sustained advocacy for increased immunisation uptake.
The Director, Health Education and Social Mobilization, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed Abubakar on his part called on all stakeholders to collaborate with the health care workers to achieve set goals.
