It is an offence to prevent children from getting vaccinated, Agbateyiniro advises as vaccination campaign begins

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Comr. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, has advised parents, guardians, leaders of faith-based organizations, heads of basic schools and community leaders, to ensure eligible children are vaccinated against measles and other diseases such as tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and yellow fever, saying it is an offence to prevent children from being vaccinated under the MORE Agenda of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Comr. Agbateyiniro, gave the advice, Friday October 11 at the Warri South Council Sub-Secretariat in Warri, while flagging off a weeklong Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign.

The Warri South Council Boss, who was represented by the Secretary to Warri South Local Government, Mr. Emmanuel Nunu, disclosed that Vaccination Posts, will be setup in Schools, Churches, Mosques, Premises of Community Leaders and other strategic locations in the Local Government, from today Friday October 11 through Saturday October 19, to ensure that the Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign, penetrates all nooks and crannies of the Local Government Area.

L-R: Hon. Deduwa Ese Gift, Mr. Emmanuel Nunu & Comr. Raymond Emiko

Whilst noting that Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, Comr. Agbateyiniro, warned: “Measles can cause severe disease, complications and even death. Complications of measles may include blindness, deafness, pneumonia and brain damage.”

He added: “The good news is that it can be prevented 97% in our Children, by getting them vaccinated. I would want to appeal to our parents, guardians, school heads, community leaders and every one present, to key into this very important intervention by Governments and development partners aimed at getting every child between the ages of 9 months to 59 months Vaccinated. This Vaccination Campaign starts from today 11th October, 2024 to 19th October, 2024.

A cross section of pupils from different schools in Warri, set to be vaccinated

“This measles Vaccine is safe, effective and free. Getting vaccinated against Vaccine preventable discases is the right of every child. Our Team will be at the Various Health Facilities and other Temporary Fixed posts within the Local Government Area. These Posts will be setup in School, Churches, Mosques, Premises of Community Leaders and other strategic locations in the LGA suitable for the exercise.

“We urge School Heads, Community Leaders, Religious Leaders and other Stakeholders of the L.GA to ensure that every eligible child in their various institutions is vaccinated against Measles.

“I strongly appeal to our Religious leaders and Traditional Leaders to urge their Congregants to key into this programme by ensuring that their children and wards are vaccinated.

Hon. Deduwa Ese, carrying out a vaccination exercise

“I use this opportunity to thank our development partners, WHO, UNICEF and others for the noble work they are doing. I urge our Esteemed Health workers to be fully committed to this exercise and give their best for the Success of this programme.”

Warri South Council Supervisor for Health, Hon. Deduwa Ese Gift, in his opening remarks, explained: “This programme is unique, because it is not just for Warri South, but for the whole of Delta State.

Mr. Emmanuel Nunu (middle) alongside Hon. Deduwa Ese Gift, Dr. Marvis Onojeghwo, Comr. Raymond Emiko & some Health Officials of Warri South Council

“As we all know in our society today, measles is a very dangerous illness, which causes the inability for a child to walk or talk well. We believe that this programme will help our children.

“I want to urge our parents to key in into this programme, by bringing out their children for the immunization.”

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