The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has disclosed that a total of 189,310 children in the South-West of the country lacked routine immunisation from January to June 2023.
The Federal Government-owned agency also pointed out that immunisation, particularly the eradication of all forms of vaccine-preventable diseases, remained its top priority.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, stated this at the opening of the first quarter 2023 review meeting of the South-West Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Shuaibu said “From January to June 2023, a total of 189,310 children in the Southwest zone lacked access to, or were never reached by any routine immunisation. These children are referred to as zero-dose children.
“Notably, Lagos has the highest count, with 79,279 zero dose children, followed by Oyo State with 53,812 children, Ondo with 30,280 children, Osun with 19,737 children, Ogun with 3,204 children, and finally Ekiti with 2,998 children, who have never received any form of vaccination effort.
“I advocate for immunisation and other primary healthcare (PHC) services. By utilising your influential and revered position in society to emphasise the significance of regular immunisation and other PHC services to parents and caregivers, we can overcome obstacles and enhance the acceptance of vaccines, ensuring that every child receives these life-saving treatments. By taking this action, we can stop the spread of cVPV2 (Circulating Variant Polio Virus Type 2), and achieve a comprehensive enhancement in the health and welfare of our communities.”
In his remarks, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said, “Our administration has continued to prioritise health care service delivery in the state as part of our redeemed policy thrust. All levels of our health system have continued to receive the necessary support to ensure that our people receive the kind of healthcare they desire without being subjected to unbearable expenditures.”
