From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Benue State, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, has disclosed that the state government looking forward to achieving and sustaining the recommended 95% immunization coverage across Benue State.
He said “This milestone is critical to securing our progress in polio eradication and reducing dropout rates to near-zero levels.”
The Commissioner stated this while briefing newsmen on Thursday to commemorate the 2024 World Polio Day in the State.
To achieve the target, the Commissioner said Government has adopted key strategies including engaging Community leaders, parents and caregivers to create a sense of shared responsibility and foster community ownership of immunization activities.
Ortese who emphasized that “A polio-free state means not only a safer future for our children but also a stronger foundation for public health and prosperity for everyone, said this year’s theme, “Vaccine Works for All,” captures the heart of state government’s mission to protect every child and every community through the power of vaccines.
He urged every parent, caregiver, and community member to make
routine immunization a priority saying vaccinating children is the only way to protect
future generations from the risks of polio and reinforcing that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for all.
He encouraged all families to visit their nearest health facility for routine immunizations
and to support health initiatives within their communities.
While stating that dispelling myths and misconceptions about vaccines to reinforce confidence in the immunization programs was essential to achieving a polio-free Benue, Ortese urged the media to support the state by spreading awareness and reinforcing the importance of routine immunization to the wider public.
According to him, Benue State has significantly improved its routine immunization coverage, with OPV 3 coverage now at 88 percent, up from 72 percent in 2023
“The dropout rate has also seen a positive decrease from 10.8% to 7.7%, a testament to our community outreach and education efforts.
The Commissioner said the state has made commendable progress in polio eradication explaining that the last case of circulating variant Polio Virus type 2 (cVPV2) in Benue was detected in 2021 through an environmental sample and since then, no new cases have been recorded.
He said “Our State’s commitment to maintaining high surveillance sensitivity is evident in our
consistent achievement of core Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) indicators over the past
five years.
“These indicators (including the Non-Polio AFP rate and Stool Adequacy) are crucial in ensuring we identify and respond promptly to any polio cases that may
arise.”
He appreciated the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the National Primary Health Care
Development Agency (NPHCDA), the IMPACT program of the World Bank, the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Rotary Club, Chigari Foundation, and other key stakeholders for contributing to the success of polio eradication efforts in Benue.
He also called on stakeholders and community members alike to
reaffirm their commitment to a polio-free Benue urging them to remain vigilant, innovative,
and united in their efforts so as to make a polio-free future a reality for the children of Benue and beyond.
