Parents in Ebonyi state Friday said that the ongoing immunization exercise is saving lives.
Blueprint observed that mother’s have been trooping out in their numbers at the designated centers to vaccinate their children against polio.
The campaign deployed Novel Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2), a next-generation vaccine specifically developed to address the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).
Monitoring the progress of the exercise in the 13 local government of the state, Blueprint ascertained that the exercise had increased compliance by parents.
In Izzi local government, Mrs. Jacinta Ovoba said, “I have been participating in the immunization exercise, I have allowed all my children to participate in every of the exercises and it’s very beneficial. During cholera outbreak last year, we were at the village, many people families were affected even around us, but because of steady immunization my children were not affected.
“My thanks goes to the development partner of the state, the UNICEF for providing the vaccines, WHO for their support and I believe that this ongoing exercise will protect our children from polio as well.
Mrs. Peace Chima in Edda LGA said that her experience as a child made her not to be interested in the immunization.
“I have not immunized my children, the day the health people came to my compound my daughter was sleeping and I didn’t want to immunize my son with them , I prefer going to the hospital for any immunization.
“When I was young during my primary school days there was this immunization we partook in and the effect was not funny, it contributed to the reason I did not bring out my children for polio immunization. But from your explanation I will take them to be immunized”.
Another woman in Ishielu local government, Mrs Peace Ali said, “honestly the agency providing the vaccine for immunization have done noble,I have seen what polio can do and I don’t take chances immunizing my children. I have immunized them,I’m happy and I’m encouraging parents to make sure their children benefit from this opportunity “.
“We call on all stakeholders health workers, government institutions, partners, and community-based structures—to collaborate fully and ensure that potent vaccines reach every eligible child, especially in the hardest-to-reach areas.
We reiterate: the vaccines are free, safe, and effective. We encourage all parents and caregivers to make their children available for vaccination. And we urge our traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community leaders to join hands in mobilization efforts and demand creation’.
The UNICEF Chief declared that, “we can end polio and secure a healthier future for every child in Ebonyi State, in Nigeria, and around the world”.