Bayelsa rolls out intensified immunisation campaign, lauds global health partners
The Bayelsa State Government has officially launched a statewide immunisation campaign aimed at strengthening child and adolescent health, with special emphasis on rural communities.
Speaking during the flag-off of the campaign in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo expressed appreciation to the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, and other partners for their longstanding support to the state’s healthcare system.
The campaign, which combined Supplementary Immunisation Plus Days (SIPDs) with intensified routine immunisation efforts, is designed to improve vaccine coverage, particularly for diseases such as polio, malaria, and cervical cancer.
Ewhrudjakpo highlighted the state’s recent strides in public health as a direct result of collaborative efforts with development agencies.
He urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the campaign and ensure their children receive the necessary vaccines.
“Our success in the health sector over the years is a testimony to the strength of our partnerships.
“We encourage our communities to come forward for this exercise not just for polio, but for malaria and HPV vaccines as well, ” he said.
The deputy governor noted the alarming rise in cancer cases, especially among women, and called on young girls to take the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to prevent future complications.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in the health and well-being of citizens and vowed to intensify efforts against fake drugs and expired consumables in the state.
Ewhrudjakpo also commended local government leaders, particularly the Chairman of Ogbia LGA, Mr. Golden Jeremiah, for their role in mobilising grassroots participation and ensuring the campaign’s smooth rollout.
He announced that future immunisation launches would be decentralised across the state’s LGAs to enhance local engagement.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, the State Commissioner for Health, explained that rotating the launch venues across local governments was part of a strategic effort to educate rural populations and encourage community ownership of health programmes.
He acknowledged the leadership of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy for prioritising healthcare delivery and working to extend immunisation coverage to underserved areas.
In his goodwill message, the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Dumaro-Owaba, commended the government’s health initiatives, while urging more aggressive action against counterfeit drugs in local markets.
The monarch was represented by the Paramount Ruler of Anyama-Ogbia, Chief Sopana Amakiri-Agala.
The event drew strong endorsements from various community and religious groups.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, alongside Rasheeda Abdulkareem representing the Muslim community, and Love Amaseimogha, Woman Leader of the Ogbia Brotherhood, all pledged support for the campaign and encouraged their constituents to actively participate.
Health experts and representatives from key global health partners also spoke at the event.
These included Dr. Ntiense Omoette, State Coordinator of WHO; Dr. Ebitimitula Ogola from Rotary International; Mr. Godswill Anthony of UNICEF; and Dr. Nzideka Anene of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), all of whom reaffirmed their organisations’ commitment to supporting Bayelsa’s health agenda.
High point of the ceremony, was a symbolic administration of the oral polio vaccine to several children by the Commissioner for Health and the Ogbia LGA Chairman, marking the official commencement of the campaign.
Bayelsa’s renewed focus on immunisation is part of a broader push to improve health outcomes and reduce preventable diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations in rural and riverine areas.
