As part of efforts put in place to eradicate killer diseases among children, Ondo State Government has introduced Meningitis vaccine(Men A) into Routine Immunisation Schedule.

To this end, mothers and caregivers have been advised to present their children who are between 9 and 15 months for the vaccination.

Speaking at the ceremony to mark the introduction of the vaccine, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro described measles, yellow fever and meningitis as killer diseases in children noting that vaccines have been made available for children at nine month old to prevent their occurrence in them.

Commending Federal Government for the introduction of Men A vaccine to eradicate meningitis, Adegbenro hinted that the vaccine which will be given free of charge, has no side effect.

While expressing appreciation to the state development partners for the support in the state, he reiterated government’s resolve to continue to improve health care delivery in the state, noting that the long awaited Contributory Health Scheme of government will commence in October, 2019.

According to him, the scheme will enable everyone who keys into it access health at no cost adding that government will pay the premium for pregnant women, under five children and the vulnerable group.

Speaking earlier, representative of the Special Adviser on Health and Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, described meningitis as a deadly disease which could be prevented by vaccination.

He stated that the introduction of the vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule will assist in eradicating the deadliest killer disease of child growth.

While acknowledging the effort of the present government in the state in providing enabling environment for efficient and effective health care delivery he implored health workers to give the vaccine diligently.

He however, called on the people to pass the message across to others in their jurisdiction.

Representative of partner agencies, Mr. Tunde Ayoade, while congratulating the state government said the achievement is in line with World Health Organization (WHO).

He affirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective, saying, “it will protect Nigerian children from deadly disease.”

On his part, representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mr. Adetunji Adeoye described meningitis as a devastating disease which remains a major public health challenge.

According to him, the introduction of its vaccine provides protection against Neisseria Meningitis serotype A and assured that the vaccine alongside other vaccines provided by Federal Government is safe, potent and effective in protecting children from vaccine preventable diseases.

https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/killer-diseases-odsg-introduces-meningitis-vaccine/

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