By Offiong Itang
The Director General of the Cross River State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr. Vivian Mesembe Otu, has flagged off the African Vaccination Week in Calabar.
Speaking before flagging off he exercised at the Primary HealthCare Centre in Ikot Omin, Dr. Otu emphasised that people already know the importance of vaccines in society, noting that vaccines help build immunity, protect individuals from preventable diseases, and reduce the spread of sickness within communities.
She encouraged parents and caregivers to take advantage of vaccination programmes to ensure healthier lives for their children and families. “Vaccines are not meant for children alone; adults also need immunisation to stay protected against certain diseases,” she said.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Olatunde Rebecca, a representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), stressed the importance of timely and proper immunisation as a critical strategy to reduce child mortality. She said adherence to routine immunisation schedules is essential to build a strong community.
Dr. Olatunde also announced ongoing efforts towards the introduction and scale-up of malaria vaccines, alongside intensified national orientation and sensitisation campaigns aimed at preventing malaria.
The Director of the Local Government Health Authority, Calabar Municipal, Mrs. Eyoawan Ephraim, stressed the importance of immunisation in our lives.
She said proper maternal care and timely vaccination help protect both mother and child, laying a strong foundation for healthy growth and development from birth.
Mrs. Ephraim urged residents to disregard misinformation and myths surrounding vaccines, noting that immunisation programmes have continued to save millions of lives across the world.
A representative of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Blessing Ebere Chukwu, commended and appreciated health workers for their dedication and tireless efforts to ensure successful immunisation coverage across communities.
She noted that the commitment and sacrifices of healthcare personnel have played a major role in protecting children, families, and vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
Blessing Chukwu further stated that vaccination remains one of the most important public health interventions globally. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting vaccination programmes and strengthening health systems to ensure no child or community is left behind.
