By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, launched a crucial 4-day oral polio immunization program aimed at eradicating the circulating poliovirus among children between the ages of 0 and 5 years. The campaign, which commenced at the Ogudu Primary Health Center, brings together the Lagos State Government and development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, and ROTARY, in a unified effort to eliminate polio from the region.
Speaking passionately about the “End Polio” campaign, Chairman Ogunlewe highlighted the importance of global cooperation and dedication to public health. While significant progress has been made, complete eradication of polio remains a challenging task, particularly in remote areas where children are difficult to reach. He emphasized the need for sustained vaccination efforts until the virus is entirely wiped out.
The comprehensive vaccination drive aims to provide two drops of the Novel Oral Polio vaccine to all children aged 0 to 5 years, regardless of their previous immunization status. This initiative will not only boost the immunity of the targeted age group but also protect them from the debilitating effects of polio. In addition to the polio vaccine, children aged 6 months to 5 years will receive essential Vitamin A supplements, and those aged 1 to 5 years will be administered deworming tablets. Furthermore, all children under 5 years will undergo screening for malnutrition using the muac tape.
The immunization campaign, which commenced on July 22, 2023, will run until July 25, 2023, starting daily at 7.00 am. The program follows a meticulous house-to-house Polio Outbreak Response strategy across all communities in Kosofe Local Government.
Chairman Ogunlewe passionately encouraged parents and guardians of children within the target age bracket to actively participate in the exercise. He assured them that the Polio vaccine is safe, free, and highly effective in protecting their children from this crippling disease.