Mimiko declares Polio-sensitization days supports immunization exercise with N86.4M

The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has declared a day in each quarter of the year as Polio Eradication Sensitization Day. Mimiko made this declaration yesterday on the occasion of the first Sensitization and Local Immunization Days (LIDs), held at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure. He said intensive sensitization and education is needed to ultimately eradicate Polio in the State, and that sharing information is a sure way to save the society from the scourge.

Mimiko, who said no case of Polio has been reported or recorded since he took over as governor of the State, attributed the feat to the concerted efforts and commitment of all the three tiers of government as well as improved routine immunization and Primary Health Care (P.H.C) services. He also said his administration’s free health programmes for children less than five (5) years will also be sustained and improved upon.

He assured that his administration is committed to the well-being of all and as such will not relent in its efforts at ensuring qualitative health care delivery through its deliberate Caring Heart programmes for every citizen of the State.

The governor said he has instituted and approved a monthly release of N400,000 to the Primary Health Care (PHC) departments of Local Government Areas for routine immunization activities apart from the regular support of supplementary immunization funds from donor agencies.

While lauding stakeholders such as the World Health Education, WHO, United Nations Children's Emergency Fund and other donor agencies, he called for the support of

traditional and religious leaders and other Stakeholders in the mobilization of children and mothers for the Local Immunization Days exercise.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju said the Government has achieved remarkable success in the health sector owing to the commitment of the governor to the welfare and wellbeing of the people calling on the people of the State to make adequate use of the various interventions.

He appealed to all mothers to make use of the Caring Heart Programmes of the government by ensuring that all children aged between 0-5years are immunized.