Health: Ondo State Primary Health Care Programme Ranked Among Best in the Country – DR. Akanbiemu
By Exponent News, Akure – May 2, 2025
The Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has officially flagged off the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign at the State Specialist Hospital (Mother and Child), Oke-Aro, Akure. The aim of the flag-off is to eradicate polio in the state, especially among children.
The Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, urged parents—especially mothers—to participate fully in the programme. He emphasized that the government’s intention is to safeguard the health of all children by protecting them from polio.
In his speech, Dr. Akanbiemu encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in the campaign to ensure total eradication of polio in the state. He expressed confidence that the programme would be successful, stating that most health initiatives in the state are consistently ranked among the best in the country. He added that this campaign would be no exception.
Dr. Akanbiemu also appreciated the support of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, noting that the programme would not have succeeded without his backing. He appealed for continued support from the government and partner organizations to ensure the sustained health and safety of children in the state.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Ibrahim Adeshina, a representative of UNICEF, conveyed greetings from the World Health Organization (WHO). He stated that UNICEF was honored to be part of the event and commended the state government and health workers for their significant progress in eradicating polio.
Dr. Adeshina noted that the southern region of the country, including Ondo State, remains vulnerable to the virus. Although nearby states have recorded cases of the latest variant, Ondo State is not among them. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of proactive campaigns to prevent the virus from spreading into the state. He called on stakeholders to sustain the campaign and urged government and partner agencies to continue funding it to protect the future of children.
In another development, His Excellency Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Taiwo Fashoranti, expressed his delight at the flag-off. He said the programme is a collaborative effort with the Federal Government aimed at eradicating polio from Ondo State. He assured that the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated and protected from the disease.
Highlights of the event included the symbolic vaccination of children by the governor and a performance by the Ondo State cultural troupe. The event was well attended by top government officials, including the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, among others.
