As part of efforts to bolster COVID-19 vaccination rates in Edo State, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) has joined forces with the Momentum Routine Immunisation Transformation and Equity (MRITE) in a statewide vaccination ramp-up campaign aimed at enhancing herd immunity.
The ramp-up campaign, which commenced in December 2023, is set to bring COVID-19 vaccination services to people in the markets, institutions, key populations and communities through compound meetings, extending its impact across the 18 local government areas of the state this month.
It was gathered that the focus is on educating residents in the state about the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, expressed gratitude to MRITE for its support in implementing the COVID-19 vaccination ramp-up programme across the state.
Izedonmwen while addressing the issue of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination, urged rumour mongers to refrain from spreading false narratives that could hinder the vaccination efforts.
He emphasised the life-saving impact of vaccines in preventing-preventable illnesses, ultimately safeguarding individuals from potentially fatal outcomes.
Director, Disease Control and Immunisation EDSPHCDA, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon affirmed the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, reiterating that they are administered free of charge.
He urged the public to dismiss false narratives and misconceptions surrounding the safety of the vaccines, emphasising their critical role in the fight against the pandemic.
On her part, Maureen Anyanwu of MRITE called on various stakeholders, including the state government, religious leaders, civil societies and community leaders, to lend their voices to the vaccination cause.
Anyanwu disclosed that the current vaccination coverage stands at 58 percent and stressed that there is a need for a collaborative effort to achieve a 70 percent coverage, thereby attaining herd immunity in the state.
The campaign extended beyond vaccination sites, with health educators actively engaging in integrated advocacy and sensitisation efforts across the state.
