Feb 20, 2008 - Second Round Of The 2008 National Immunization Plus Days
On Friday 25th January 2008, I had the privilege of flagging off the first round of the National Immunization Plus Days in Ajermomi Ifelodun Local Government.
On this occasion, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris disclosed that Lagos State recorded 4 outbreaks of polio in 4 Local Governments, after achieving a polio free status for a period of 24 months. This unfortunate incident which means a life long physical disability for these innocent children was attributed to cases of children missed during previous immunization campaigns as well as routine immunization.
This incident should serve as a wake up call for all of us on the need to redouble our efforts and map out strategies that will ensure that such cases are not repeated again in the State. More importantly, a renewed commitment to this exercise will demonstrate our determination to ensure that the May 2008 National target date to stop the transmission of wild Polio virus all over the country is achieved.
I am informed that in the last exercise, a total of three million, three hundred and twenty two thousand, nine hundred and nineteen (3,322,919) children were immunised. This no doubt, is a very impressive record and a true reflection of our collective efforts and determination. I wish to thank everyone, especially parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, health officials and our traditional and very supportive partners for their contributions to the success achieved.
Today, we are again flagging off the second round of the National Immunization Plus Days which has the objective of improving on the gains achieved in the first round.
I am therefore appealing to parents, caregivers, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, private health practitioners etc to once again play our part by cooperating with the health officials and volunteers who will be going round from house to house from tomorrow Saturday 23rd to Tuesday 26th February 2008.
Let us ensure that no child between the ages of 0-59 months is missed in this second round. Our children are our future; protecting them with vaccines against physical disabilities is protecting our future.
I appreciate the efforts of all the Executive Secretaries of our local Governments especially the Executive Secretary of Mushin Local Government, the host of today’s event. I also appreciate the continuous support of our partners especially Rotary International, WHO, UNICEF and COMPASS.
Finally, I want to commend and congratulate the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris and his team for the progress made so far. It is my hope that the second round Immunization exercise will achieve even better success.
It is on this note that I flag off the Second Round of the 2008 National Immunization Plus Days in Lagos State to the glory of God and the benefit of our future generation.
Let us remember, Immunization is free and safe for all our children.
Thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State