By MBAH MONDAY
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has harped on the need for parents and community leaders to always embrace immunization as a sacred responsibility towards the well-being of children.
The monarch made this known when he officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the National Immunization Plus Days, NIPDs 1, and Africa Vaccination Week at the Primary Health Centre, Adiabo Ikot Itu Ibuot in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Obong urged health-care workers to do more in creating awareness on the benefits of timely infant immunization uptake, immunization schedule, and how to manage its side effects as it would encourage positive attitude towards the process.
The Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom also noted that massive public health education must be intensified to enhance the knowledge, attitude, and practice of parents about immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.He appreciated both the State and federal health authorities for prioritizing child health through accessible vaccination programmes.
“It is a thing of joy to host this event in my local government. Immunization is the foundation for raising healthy, productive citizens. I commend our partners and health workers for ensuring no child is left behind.”
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, who affirmed that Cross River State has one of the highest immunization coverage rates in Nigeria, however pointed out that there were still gaps in specific localities like Odukpani, which explained why it was chosen as the venue for the flag-off campaign.
“We’ve mobilized communities, churches, and traditional leaders to ensure that no child is missed. With the support of His Excellency the Governor and partners, we will reach even the hard-to-access areas.”
The Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Otu acknowledged the presence of the Obong of Calabar as pivotal in improving coverage and influencing uptake.
“The involvement of His Eminence bridges cultural heritage with public health. His voice carries weight, and his support ensures deeper community engagement. Immunization is not just a health measure—it is a shield for our children’s future.“Cross River is leading nationally in immunization, but we still have zero-dose children in hard-to-reach areas. We are here to change that.”
She lauded development partners and other organizations for their support in making vaccines accessible, while encouraging parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign by taking their children for the routine immunization.Providing an overview of Africa Vaccination Week, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr. Rebecca Olatunde appealed to mothers not to delay vaccination for any reason. “Every child under five deserves the opportunity to be vaccinated. Denying that child such opportunity is a crime. Even if you are going to the market or the farm, let the child be vaccinated first.”
In a similar development, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Mr Felix Akposi has officially flagged off the 2025 Polio Immunisation Campaign at the Uyanga Primary Healthcare Centre with a passionate call on mothers and community leaders to prioritise child health.
The event, which drew stakeholders from various walks of life, underscored the urgent need to eradicate polio and promote child welfare. Addressing the gathering, Mr Akposi commended the World Health Organisation, WHO and health partners for their dedication to improving the wellbeing of children, whom he described as the foundation of future generations.
“Today’s activity is a global one. We must not take it for granted. All mothers in our communities must take the health of their children seriously. Fathers, churches and community leaders must also join in the campaign. These vaccines are free. Let us not abandon our children to diseases we can prevent.”
He urged traditional rulers present at the event to help spread the message across their domains and mobilise further support from churches and opinion leaders to ensure the success of the campaign in Akamkpa.
Earlier, the WHO Representative in Akamkpa, Mr. Samuel Ekwok, revealed that the immunisation exercise targets over 350,000 children under age 0 – 59 months across the ten wards of the Local Government Area. He assured the people of the area that trained staff of the Primary Healthcare Centres would administer the vaccines under the supervision of WHO and the council.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Health, Mr. Maurice Asengita, and the Director of Health, Elder Oku Abang, expressed appreciation to the Council Chairman for his proactive response to health matters. They highlighted ongoing programmes such as CHAMPS and Roll Back Malaria and pledged continued delivery of quality healthcare services.The highpoint of the event was the symbolic administration of the polio vaccine by Mr Akposi, supported by healthcare supervisors and workers, followed by a group photo session.
