The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on parents and caregivers in Akwa Ibom State to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, in the ongoing National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign aimed at eradicating six deadly childhood diseases.
The campaign is a joint initiative supported by the Federal and Akwa Ibom State Governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other development partners.
Speaking during a sensitization drive following the state flag-off ceremony in Uyo, the State Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, emphasized that immunization remains one of the most effective and proven public health tools for protecting children against preventable diseases such as polio, measles, hepatitis B, and whooping cough.
Mr. Mkpoutom encouraged community leaders, parents, the media and the 31 Local Government Area Community Mobilization Officers (COMOs) to continue raising awareness about the importance of immunization stressing that vaccines not only save lives but also drastically reduce the long-term financial burden of treating preventable illnesses.
. “A well-informed society is a healthier society. By spreading this message, we can protect the future of our children and build a safer, more resilient population” .
Mr. Mkpoutom noted that preventing diseases through immunization is far more beneficial than seeking cures after infection.
“It is more cost-effective to prevent illness through vaccines than to spend on hospitalization and long-term care. Parents have a duty to protect their children from harm, and immunization is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to do that,” he said.
In a remark, Head of the Health and Social Care Department at NOA Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Amaka Okon, underscored the role of immunization in supporting healthy childhood development. She warned that diseases like measles and polio can result in complications that hinder both physical and mental growth, and urged caregivers not to take the risk of delaying vaccination.
Uko Sam-Uyo
