The Kwara State Government says it is targeting 800,000 children under five and 200,000 pregnant women for its upcoming National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) and related healthcare interventions.
The NIPDs is a nationwide campaign coordinated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to vaccinate children against vaccine-preventable diseases, with a special focus on polio.
Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during a meeting of the Kwara State Task Force on Immunization and Primary Healthcare. She was represented by Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of the Primary Healthcare System at the agency.
Elelu disclosed that the campaign is scheduled to commence on November 29 and conclude on December 3. She explained that the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) programme would be integrated with the NIPDs.
The MNCH initiative aims to improve the well-being of women from adolescence through pregnancy and childbirth, while enhancing the health of newborns and children by ensuring access to quality healthcare and preventing avoidable deaths.
Elelu praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his strong support, particularly in granting approvals and releasing funds to ensure the success of primary healthcare activities. She also appealed to the state government to ensure maximum security for healthcare workers, especially in communities facing security challenges.
Mr. Seun Ogunniyi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Nutrition, said the task force reflects the state leadership’s commitment to prioritising Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He commended the government for the progress achieved in the healthcare sector.
In his response, Kwara Deputy Governor and Chairman of the task force, Mr. Kayode Alabi, reiterated the state government’s resolve to improve healthcare for residents. He urged all local government chairmen to demonstrate commitment to primary healthcare activities in their communities.
