Immunization: Osun Health Stakeholder Urged To Intensify Campaigns For Children's Immunization

By Segilola Babalola

Child immunization, a critical public health intervention, has been described as the process of protecting children from infectious and childhood diseases, such as polio, through the administration of vaccines. Vaccines build immunity in children, reduce the risk of infections, and prevent complications from these diseases.

This was emphasized by the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Bola Adeosun, during the State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) meeting held in Osogbo, the state capital.

The meeting which reviewed the progress of non-polio supplemental immunization integrated activities (NPSIIA), including vaccine trust and uptake, was organized by the Osun State Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment in collaboration with UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office.

Represented by Mrs. Omowumi Awokunle, Mrs. Adeosun explained the significant role of immunization in preventing childhood diseases, reducing disease transmission, protecting vulnerable populations, and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases. 

She commended the efforts of UNICEF, Osun State Government under Senator Ademola Adeleke, and healthcare workers for prioritizing the health of pregnant women and children.

Highlighting the success of the last immunization exercise, she revealed that over one million children were vaccinated across Osun State. 

She, however, called on stakeholders to intensify vaccination campaigns to eradicate preventable childhood diseases in the state.

Addressing Barriers to vaccine uptake in his lecture, Assistant State Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Adeshina Akande, discussed “Barriers to Vaccine Trust and Uptake in Osun”. He pointed out that despite the proven safety and efficacy of vaccines, hesitancy and low uptake remain significant challenges in Nigeria, including Osun State. According to him, addressing these barriers is vital for improving immunization rates.

He identified key barriers to vaccine trust, such as:

Religious and traditional beliefs, misinformation and rumors, cost of access,

shortages of healthcare personnel, mismanagement of vaccine supplies and insufficient health funding.

To counter these challenges, Mr. Akande proposed solutions such as:

Enhancing public awareness through local language campaigns on radio, TV, and social media,strengthening healthcare systems, increasing transparency in vaccine procurement and distribution

, utilizing technology for efficient vaccine tracking and delivery.

He expressed confidence that implementing these strategies would address vaccine hesitancy and ensure access to life-saving immunizations for all residents of Osun State.

Earlier in his opening remarks, State Program Director, Mr. Raphael Ojo, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for facilitating the program aimed at securing a healthier future for children and eradicating polio. He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate preventable diseases and foster healthier communities, noting that "a healthy child is the foundation of a healthy nation."

Participants were later grouped to develop strategies for overcoming barriers to immunization. Their discussions provided actionable insights for improving vaccine uptake and ensuring the success of future campaigns.

The event underscored the importance of collective action in safeguarding the health of Osun’s children and communities.