By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State Primary Health Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health and Partners has announced that the first round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) against Circulating Variant Polio virus Type 2 (CVPV2) infection would be implemented from Saturday 3rd to Tuesday 6th May, 2025.
Speaking during a One day Stakeholders sensitization meeting on first round National Immunization Plus days May 2025 at MCH Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA ) the HOD/Director, Mrs Chinwe Okeke said that the implementation of NIPDs will mark end of polio in Nigeria.
“All the 10 communities of Idemili North will be visited simultaneously by health workers for the oral polio immunization. Health workers will be at the fixed/temporary posts, House to house and other designated points which include churches, mosques, schools, markets, village squares, motor parks and wherever children are found.
“Eligible persons include children of 0 to 59 months/5 Years. The Oral Polio vaccine OPV is for them irrespective of previous immunization status.
“The OPV implementation will last for 4 days, May 3 to 6, 2025 although there will be two extra days for mop up.
“The Idemili North LGA Health Educator/Social Mobilization Officer has earlier distributed the notifications and announcements for public awareness and sensitization but as Stakeholders we called you as influencers to help us reach every Ward, village and community sensitizing them on the importance of availing our children for the immunization,” said Mrs Okeke.
According to the Health Educator/SMO, Mrs OkpalaNwankwo Chinememma Ukamaka, this Stakeholders Meeting serves a dual purpose. To mark the conclusion of the Third Round Big Catch-up Routine immunization and To sensitize you on the NIPDs implementation billed to take off this weekend.
“Polio Mellitus makes children disabled making them not to enjoy other privileges their able bodied mates enjoy in the society.
” As Stakeholders, please carry on the sensitization. If someone or any group show resistance to the vaccination, please do not hesitate to come to the aid of the health workers. If possible create bylaws that will check any person or group which intends not to avail their children for immunization.
“Teachers should reach out to parents and educate them on the importance of immunization especially those in private schools. We have already sought the support of the prelates concerning the mission schools to inform the school managements not to prevent our health workers from immunizing the school children.
“Oral Polio vaccine has been existing, so nobody can say he or she is not aware of the benefits of polio eradication in Anambra State because we no longer see people who are lame as a result of polio here in the South East because of the OPV immunization,” said Mrs OkpalaNwankwo.
The Idemili North Local Government Immunization Officer Mrs Caroline Ekweozor noted that a variant of the polio mellitus was discovered from feaces at upper Iweka stressing the importance for every child below 5 years to take the oral polio vaccine.
Other Dignitaries at the Stakeholders Meeting include Supervisory Councilor for Health in Idemili North, Dr Nkem Okeke, Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture in Idemili North, Hon Chinedu Okosa, State Technical facilitator for WHO, Mrs Nwanneka Adeniyi, Local Government Immunization Officer, Mrs Caroline Ekweozor, Officer in Charge Education Authority, AEO, WDC Chairmen, Idemili North COMO National Orientation Agency, Mrs Emilia Obunike, etc.