The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has attributed the recent outbreak of measles and other diseases in Nigeria to a decline in herd immunity, importation of cases, waning immunity, and inadequate public health infrastructure.
This was disclosed by Dr. Pita Obam, a UNICEF Consultant on Social and Behavioral Issues, during a one-day meeting of the State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (S-SOMTEC) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The event was organized by the State Ministry of Information and Strategy in collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders.
Dr. Obam highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by misinformation and vaccination hesitancy, which have exacerbated the spread of these diseases.
“All stakeholders must support in creating awareness and the dissemination of key messages through official channels,” Obam emphasized.
“They must also help in countering rumours of vaccine safety, engage in supportive supervision, and resolve non-compliance.”
He further stressed the highly contagious nature of measles, underscoring the urgent need for vaccination to protect children.
The upcoming measles vaccination campaign in Ogun State, scheduled from September 19 to September 25, aims to target children aged nine to 59 months.
Dr. Obam urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to eliminate the issue of “zero dose children” who have not received any immunization.
Dr. Olubukola Omotoso, a public health educator with the Ministry of Health, provided an update on the cholera outbreak in Ogun State.
According to Omotoso, 11 out of the 20 local government areas in the state experienced a cholera outbreak, with a cumulative 135 reported cases and four deaths since the outbreak began.
“As of Monday, the cumulative number of reported cases since the outbreak is 135, with 131 cases discharged from our facilities,” Omotoso reported, adding that there were no new reported cases of cholera in the state.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, reiterated the state’s commitment to the well-being of mothers and children, recognizing their crucial roles in society.
“Our state experienced an outbreak of cholera in the last two months, resulting in a few unfortunate fatalities. The state government responded swiftly to the outbreak and successfully curtailed its spread,” Adesina stated.
“However, we recognize that our work is far from over. We are now focused on implementing preventive measures to avert any future resurgence of this disease.”
Adesina commended UNICEF and other stakeholders for their continued support and dedication to improving the health and well-being of citizens, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that emphasize inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals.
