Dame Okowa Flags Off 2023 Africa Vaccination Week, Seeks Cooperation of Mothers, Caregivers

As part of efforts to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases in childhood, the wife of the state governor, Dame Edith Okowa in collaboration with the World Health Organization, WHO, has flagged off the 2023 Africa Vaccination Week, with a call on mothers and caregivers to avail their children and wards the opportunity to be immunized.

The exercise which is an annual event, across African countries, is aimed at promoting the use of vaccines and highlighting the collective action needed to protect people of all ages, especially children from age zero to five years against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking at the event held at the Primary Healthcare Center, Cable Point, Oshimili South, Asaba, Dame Okowa represented by the wife of the state Governor-elect, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, said the 2023 Africa Vaccination Week, tagged: “The Big Catch-up” being observed in the state was aimed at sensitizing mothers, and caregivers on the importance of vaccine to prevent childhood diseases and child mortality.

The governor’s wife reaffirmed that the Okowa administration had over the years given priority attention to the overall healthcare of all Deltans, necessitating the great feat achieved in the sector, including the Healthcare Insurance program for pregnant women and children under five.

Earlier, the Director, of Delta State Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Isioma Okobah and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, highlighted the significance of the exercise, which they assured would be carried out in all the local government areas in the state.

The duo commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s consistent support for the Agency and sued for maximum cooperation from the beneficiaries.

Representatives of the World Health Organization lauded the efforts of the state government in ensuring adequate preparation for the exercise.

Mothers who spoke at the event thanked God for the opportunity and promised to rally residents of their local community for the exercise.

Highpoint of the event was the official vaccination of children by the governor’s wife to flag off the exercise and presentation of children’s diapers.