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First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, applying oral vaccine on an infant during 2008 First National Immunization Plus Days.
First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, holds an infant during 2008 First National Immunization Plus Days.Jan 25, 2008 - 2008 First National Immunization Plus Days
Today, we in Lagos State join other States of the federation in demonstrating our commitment to the survival and healthy growth of our children as we flag off the 2008 first National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs).
As we all know, over the past few years, this programme has been carried out periodically to raise the level of awareness of our people on the need to ensure that every child within 0-59 months age bracket are immunised so as to protect them against polio and other child killer diseases. It however remains a matter of great concern that in spite of past efforts our nation belongs to the group of very few countries in the world that have not been able to meet past global targets of total polio eradication.
The National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) I am informed, was adopted by Nigeria in 2006 to facilitate the achievement of our target goals using fixed posts and house to house team for the delivery of multiple antigens and other child survival interventions.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this immunisation exercise taking place today, the first in this year, is very important because it is a major step to the achievement of the May 2008 national target date to stop the transmission of wild polio virus in the country. I have no doubt in my mind that we can achieve this objective if we are determined to contribute our quota to ensure that no eligible child is left behind in this particular exercise.
I therefore want to call on all mothers, caregivers and teachers to corporate with the health officials and volunteers who will be going round from tomorrow Saturday 26th – Tuesday 29th January, 2008 to administer the vaccine to children between the age range of 0 – 59 months. It is safe and free for all children.
Let me also use this opportunity to appeal for the support of our community leaders, religious leaders, political leaders and our royal fathers to ensure that this exercise records 100% success in Lagos State. Let us remember that a healthy child is the pride of the parent, the community and the nation.
Finally, I want to commend the Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris and his team for all the efforts that have been made to ensure that Lagos State contribute its full quota towards meeting the May 2008 target. I also applaud the efforts of all the Executive Secretaries of Local Councils especially that of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, the host of this event, all our ever supportive partners especially WHO, Unicef and COMPACS and everyone that is contributing to the success of this exercise.
It is on this note that I flag off the 2008 first National Immunization Plus Days in Lagos State to the glory of God and eradication of Polio and other child killer diseases.
I thank you for your kind attention, God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State