FCT residents laud govt’s measles vaccination intervention
NAN-H-4
Vaccination
By Veronica Dariya
Bwari (Abuja), Feb. 23, 2018 (NAN) Some residents of Bwari and Dutse Areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have described the just concluded measles vaccination by the FCT Administration as a laudable and successful.
The residents spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
NAN recalls that the FCTA, on Feb. 10, through the Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care Board, embarked on the vaccination of children between the ages of 9 months to 5 years, against measles disease.
NAN correspondent, who monitored the exercise, reports that there was an average turn out of mothers with their children to partake in the vaccination.
Mrs Anna Ibrahim, a resident of Dutse, said that government’s effort toward health related issues in the society has been “quite impressive and appreciative.”
According to her, it takes a knowledgeable individual to understand the importance of vaccinations and its cost, if one was to pay for it.
She urged the government to ensure that the outreach was extended to the rural communities to ensure that the disease was tackled effectively.
Another resident of Dutse, Mrs Fatima Ibrahim, said that the exercise did not only enrich her child but has enlightened her on the dangers of the disease.
She said that it was in the process of getting her child immunised that one of the health workers educated some of the young mothers at the centre about the deadly disease.
Ibrahim, while thanking the FCTA, suggested regular exposure through community channels to keep promoting such interventions, to ensure its effectiveness.
A resident of Bwari, Mrs Oluwakemi Ojo, also commended government’s efforts to ensure that children are immunised against deadly diseases such as measles.
She, however, said that lack of continuous campaign may result to people forgetting or not placing importance to such issues.
“I actually heard a jingle once in the radio but when it was close to the date, I forgot.
“But as I saw some women returning with their certificates in their hands, I quickly remembered and came with my children.
“We really appreciate the government on this aspect because some of us will not be able to afford it if we are to pay, we pray for more dividends of democracy,” she said.
Also, Madam Carol Dimetus, a resident, noted that efforts made to inform and educate, especially women, about childhood vaccination was weak.
According to her, government interventions on health related matters are prompt and commendable, but more efforts need to be done to ensure a wider and impactful coverage.
“I know that government is doing its best to ensure that messages are passed across to as many parents as possible about the deadly diseases and their vaccination.
“They must also note that the impact is not much because there are still more people who don’t believe in immunisation, so more campaigns need to be carried out.
“Policy makers should consider improving funding allocation for this kind of campaigns and also for regular vaccination activities to promote and educate residents,” she said.
One of the health workers, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the exercise was a progressive one.
She explained that the health workers recorded low turnout in some strategic centres, adding that those that visited schools and churches came back with impressive reports.
“People are cooperating, I think they just needed to be reminded,” she said.
NAN recalls that the Acting Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Matthew Ashikeni, had said that the vaccination campaign would cover schools, housing estates, places of worship among others.
He said that the board wants to ensure that no child was missed, as the measles campaign was meant to give FCT children full protection against the deadly disease.
NAN also reports that the vaccination campaign ended on Thursday, Feb. 22. (NAN)
DVK/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide