Bayelsa State has officially kicked off its State Immunization Plus Days (SIPDs) and Routine Immunization Intensification Campaign, with authorities urging residents to actively participate in safeguarding the health of children and young girls.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Friday at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area (LGA), was led by Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Ewhrudjakpo used the occasion to commend development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Rotary International for their support in enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
In a statement released over the weekend by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor credited the state’s progress in the health sector to strong collaboration with these partners.
He called on parents and religious bodies to ensure children receive immunizations, reassuing the administration’s commitment to improving the well-being of Bayelsans under Governor Douye Diri’s leadership.
Announcing the importance of preventive healthcare, he particularly urged young girls to take the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to protect against the rising prevalence of cancer.
Ewhrudjakpo also reiterated the state government’s determination to combat the circulation of fake and expired drugs.
"We want to encourage our people across the state to come out en masse for this immunization exercise.
"Beyond the polio vaccine, we have malaria and HPV vaccines. It is far cheaper and safer to immunize children than to treat preventable diseases later. Cancer is affecting our women at alarming rates, and we must act now," he said.
The Deputy Governor further announced that future flag-off ceremonies for health programmes would be conducted across various local government areas to ensure rural communities are reached and sensitised.
He also praised local government chairmen, particularly Ogbia’s, for supporting immunization efforts.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, explained that moving the flag-off venue to different LGAs would enhance awareness and community buy-in.
Brisibe lauded Governor Diri and the Deputy Governor for providing leadership in building a robust healthcare system aimed at increasing life expectancy in the state.
The Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, His Eminence King Charles Dumaro Owaba, represented by Chief Sopana Amakiri-Agala, acknowledged government efforts but urged stronger action against fake drugs and expired consumables.
Goodwill messages came from the state chapters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslim community, and women’s groups, all pledging support for the immunization campaigns.
Representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Paediatric Association of Nigeria also reiterated their commitment to the initiative.
A highlight of the event was the administration of oral polio vaccines to children by Senator Ewhrudjakpo, Prof Brisibe, and the Ogbia LGA Chairman, Mr Golden Jeremiah.
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