The Chiarman, Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EKSPHCDA), DR Funke Ogunbunmi has stated that the main reasons for vaccine rejection during immunisation programmes in Ekiti State can be attributed to misinformation of parents, ignorance, Lack of Education, religious beliefs among others.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Non Compiances Committee member held in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Dr Ogunbunmi stated that setting up this committee to oversee and settle the issues of rejection of vaccine in the communities is a momental achievement and a very great milestone in the lives of Ekiti people.
She said the inauguration of the committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that those negatively disposed to vaccine immunisation are educated on the essence of the immunisation exercise and deal with the issue will improve the chart and statistic of the State.
While delivering his speech, the Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Primary Health-Care Development Agency, (EKSPHCDA), Dr Rasheed Adepoju said, the inauguration of the committee is very important and crucial in addressing the problems being faced by health workers and enhancing effective immunisation in the state.
He explained that the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration has provided vaccines to take care of women and children in the communities, and there are health workers who are capable and willing to go to the communities and vaccinate.
He noted further that there are some women and fathers who still reject the vaccines noting that this single act is affecting the entire health of the communities. He affirmed that the committee will be resolving the rejection and non compliance cases in the communities.
“We are here today to inaugurate the committee that will be resolving rejection, non-compliance in the communities. We want to ensure that everybody in the communities takes the vaccine. It is safe, it is reliable and it is free. It prevents diseases for children and women in the communities,” he said.
Also at the inauguration ceremony were UNICEF facilitator in Ekiti State, Mrs Akinyosoye Yetunde who spoke about the immportance of the immunisation to the growth and well being of our children and girl child in the State. Others with their goodwill messages include representatives from WHO, NPHCDA, GIRL EFFECT and AFNENT.
The event drew health educators from the sixteen local government areas of the state, religious leaders, media, academics, market women/men, trade unions and others.
The committee which is drawn from all the local governments in the State is expected to reduce vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through proactive community engagement, education and dialogue; To improve health seeking behaviours and vaccine uptake by addressing misconception, rumours and fears through community and behavioural change.
Other responsibilities include, to engage and involve other ethnic groups and migrants population living in Ekiti state in the health programme in the through inclusive strategies to ensure that no one is left behind.
To strengthen collaboration among stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government authorities and health personel in addressing public resistance to health interventions among other objectives.
