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Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (M) applying polio immuniza-tion vaccine on an infant as she flags off First Round of 2009 National Immunization Plus Day.


Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (M) discussing with Dr. Aderemi Desalu (R), as she flags off the First Round of 2009 National Immunization Plus Day.

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Jan 31, 2009 - Flag Off Of The First Round Of 2009 National Immunization Plus Day (NIPDS)

As we gather here today, our nation remains about the only nation that is holding the rest of the world back in achieving total eradication of polio, a highly infectious disease that causes total and permanent paralysis in children under five years of age. Consequently, Nigeria has been branded as the chief exporter of Wild Polio Virus on the continent and the entire world.

In Lagos State, our commitment towards eradicating polio has never been in doubt given the impressive performances that we have always recorded in past NIPDs. However, the recent detection of three wild Polio Virus in the state between November and December 2008 which necessitated Lagos State being included among the states and the Federal Capital Territory that will take part in the State Immunization Plus Days in February this year, indicates the need for us to renew and step up our efforts.

We need to review our strategies to achieve the goal of ensuring that no eligible child is left un-immunized at the end of this first round campaign which commences today and ends on Tuesday February 2nd 2008.

I am confident that given the cooperation of everyone and the high level of commitment that we have always demonstrated, this current campaign against polio, which will be done house to house will surely achieve its target in Lagos State.

I therefore use this opportunity to implore all our caring mothers to ensure that their children who are within the target age group of 0-59 months are immunized. It does not matter whether they have been immunized in the previous exercises. I also like to make a passionate appeal to our community leaders including our royal fathers to please support this campaign by ensuring full mobilisation of mothers and children in all our communities. Let us remember that all our efforts to secure for our children a brighter and rewarding future can only be achieved when they are protected against polio virus infection.

I commend and appreciate the efforts of everyone who have contributed in various way towards ensuring that this campaign achieves the desired objective. I wish to particularly acknowledge the support of the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International

Finally, I commend the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris and the hardworking members of his team as well as the Chairman, Agege Local Government for hosting this flag off ceremony. It is my hope that we will all work together as a team with passion, commitment and dedication for the protection, healthy growth and survival of our children.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour and privilege to flag off the First Round of 2009 National Immunization Plus Days Campaign in Lagos State

Thank you and God bless you all.

 

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
The First Lady of Lagos State