Cross River State set to vaccinate over 693,000 children against meningitis

The Cross River State Government has kicked off a statewide campaign to vaccinate at least 693,000 children against meningitis in the 18 LGA’s of the state.

The government revealed that the vaccination which will target children between the ages of 1-5 will be done in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with support from UNICEF, MDF, and other health partners in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, while flagging off the campaigns said the state was making the commitment because of how dangerous it understands meningitis to be and how it has been affecting children in the state.

Prof. Ivara who was represented by Dr Betta Edu, the State Commissioner of Health, lauded the efforts of traditional, religious, community leaders and development partners for their doggedness towards the promotion of health care for the people of the state.

Her words; “Ayade is committed to ensuring every eligible child is reached with these lifesaving vaccines as no child deserves to die from any vaccine-preventable disease.

“We have trained over 3000 health workers and the have been deployed in teams for this activity with logistics fully provided. I am confident we will hit the 100% target.” She said.

Dr. Janet Ekpeyong, DG, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, called on parents to ensure their children get the vaccination as the government has spared no cost in ensuring its availability. She charged mothers to take their wards to the closest health facilities to get the services at no cost.

The representative of NPHCDA, Dr Halima Tafida revealed that with so many Nigerians at risk from meningitis every year, immunisation with the MenA vaccine can help to limit outbreaks.

According to budgit, a non-governmental organisation using data to straighten fiscal accountability in the states and federal level, Cross River State had one of the highest reported cases of meningitis in 2019 with 7802 reported cases.