Nigeria: 900,000 Children Immunised in Benue

By: Peter Duru

More than 900,000 children have been immunised against childhood killer diseases in 22 local government councils of Benue State at the just concluded Sub-National Immunisation and Maternal-New Born Health (MNCH) week organised by UNCEF.

Benue State Director of Public Health, Dr Joseph Kumba disclosed in Makurdi during the exercise, children and mothers obtained free doses of the oral polio vaccines, vitamin A and iron supplements and other drugs.

He informed that no cases of rejection were recorded in the course of the exercise thanks to collaboration between the communities and health workers.

Kumba who regretted that the exercise did not take place in Buruku local government area however assured that steps were being taking to address the situation in a mop up exercise.

Good Health Weekly gathered from immunisation centres visited in Kwande, Vandeikya and Tarka local government areas that the exercised turned out a huge success as parents took advantage of weeklong exercise to have their children immunised against childhood killer diseases.

In Vandeikya, the Local Immunisation Officer LIO, Mr. Justin Ngyah told Vanguard that he got adequate supply of drugs adding that he was satisfied with the turnout and enthusiasm shown by parents although the exercise.
"The turnout was quite impressive and the enthusiasm shown by parents was indeed a morale booster for everyone involved in ensuring the success of this exercise", Ngyah said.

While his Kwande Local government counterpart, Mr. Daniel Hundu noted that the exercise went on smoothly stressing that his ward and field officers ensured the complete coverage of the local council.

Hundu stressed that this year's exercise was a great improvement compared to the previous exercises adding, "Reports from the fields showed that the people have embraced the exercise and that is good news to the quest to ensure that our communities are free from childhood killer diseases".

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