By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Borno State Governments in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners have flagged off vaccination against Yellow Fever Disease in three local government areas of maiduguri Metropolitan, Jere and Ngala in Borno State.
The Executive Director of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency in the state, Professor Mohammed Arab says, the exercise which is part of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) week which will last for twelve days between 12th to 23rd July, 2023.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to announce the upcoming Integrated Yellow Fever Preventive Mass Vaccination Campaign that will be held in three LGAs namely Jere, MMC, and Ngala, from July 12th to July 23rd, 2023.
“The vaccination campaign is to take place at Health facilities and temporary post at strategic locations within the communities aimed at providing preventive measures against yellow fever disease. It is important to note that the targeted age group for the yellow fever vaccination is individuals ranging from 9 months to 44 years old”.
In his remarks, the WHO State Coordinator in Borno State, Dr. Ibrahim Audu Salisu, said “WHO has been supporting the state to strengthen Routine Immunization (RI) Services and supporting communities and vulnerable populations to be vaccinated against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs).
“With support from WHO partners, Borno State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHDA) has successfully planned and is currently implementing an Integrated Yellow Fever Mass Vaccination Campaign, which is targeting up to 494,498 people aged 9 months to 44 years in 13 wards across 3 LGAs high-risk LGAs – MMC, Jere and Ngala”.
“WHO and the SPHCDA have provided the required resources and jointly conducted some pre-implementation activities such as training of state and LGA teams, distribution of vaccines and commodities, community engagement, etc.
He further explains, throughout the campaign, WHO Technical officers, LGFs, and Field Volunteers in the implementing LGAs will work closely with Government officials and stakeholders to monitor, supervise and provide the necessary support to ensure that the campaign becomes a success.
