Parents in Edo State, especially mothers, have been called upon to immunize their young children against preventable diseases, in order to safeguard the health and future of the children.
The Coordinator in the Office of the First Lady, in the State, Mrs Edesili Anani, made the call on Tuesday in Benin, while flagging-off the 2025 African Vaccination Week (AVW).000
The flag-off ceremony was parfomed at the Primary Health Center, Eyaen, a surbub community in Benin, the State capital.
She noted that the entire family feels the impact when one of the children is sick.
“Immunisation protects children, especially those under five, from life-threatening diseases. If your child is sick, the entire family is affected emotionally and financially,” she said.
She, therefore, encouraged parents to complete their children’s vaccination schedules and advocate within their communities.
Mrs Anani also addressed misinformation surrounding vaccines, noting that she was immunised as a child and later gave birth, debunking myths about fertility and vaccination.
“Vaccines do not stop you from having children, they save lives,” she said,
In his remark, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Esiegbe Efeomon, highlighted the State’s commitment under Governor Monday Okpebholo to strengthening health systems.
He called for public cooperation ahead of the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), scheduled for May 3 to 5.
“New PHC structures have been built, and health workers employed to ensure better service delivery.
“Immunisation builds children’s immune systems and saves lives,” he said.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of World Health Organisation in the State, Dr Nora Eyo, reaffirmed the organisation’s support and assured that vaccination teams would reach remote communities across the state.
She said vaccines to be administered during the campaign include those against polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, and yellow fever.
