***Government Considers Making Immunization Certificate a Requirement for School Enrollment
The National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign targeting children between the ages of zero and five will commence in Ondo State on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with 1.2 million children expected to be vaccinated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure to prepare for the exercise.
Dr. Akanbiemu emphasized that immunization is essential for child survival and thanked mothers for their continued commitment to bringing their children for vaccination.
He also commended the Ondo State Government for its significant investment in the health sector, noting that part of the intervention includes the renovation of 109 health centers across the state.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, Director of Disease Control and Immunization, said the stakeholders’ meeting was crucial to sensitize relevant parties ahead of the six-day campaign.
He disclosed that moving forward, a vaccination certificate may become a requirement for school enrollment in the state.
Dr. Adefesoye called on private schools and religious institutions to allow health officials to vaccinate children within their premises and appealed to parents to ensure their eligible children participate in the exercise.
He explained that the campaign will provide immunization for children aged 0–5 years, HPV vaccines for girls to prevent cervical cancer, and Vitamin A supplements for older children.
Representing international partners, Dr. Adebayo Ibrahim of the World Health Organization (WHO) affirmed that while there is currently no case of polio in Ondo State, the vaccination campaign is necessary to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
He assured stakeholders of the safety of the vaccines and called for their cooperation.
The State Immunization Officer, Florence Fadiji, noted that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the exercise reaches all parts of the state, including hard-to-reach areas.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by media practitioners, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, who was represented by the Asae of Akure, Senior High Chief Sola Adegbonmire.
