Curbing vaccine preventable diseases: Edo State government partners Media and CSOs

By Isaac Eranga 

A 1-day review of non-polio supplemental immunization activities (NPSIA) with the media and women-led civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve vaccine trust and uptake in Edo state, has been held in Benin penultimate weekend.

Welcoming participants, the Program Director- Mrs Rose Imonikhe said the meeting was aimed at improving vaccine trust and uptake in Edo state. She said the meeting was a platform for stakeholders to forge a formidable front in the area of sensitisation and awareness creation for Edo people. 

"Edo people has over the years expressed apathy in vaccine uptake. This meeting is meant to reverse this ugly trend. 

"There's also increasing fear that there will be an outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases, hence the need for sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns", she said.

In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communication and Orientation (MOCO)- Dr. Desmond Agbama reiterated that part of Gov. Okpebholo's policy thrust is to improve the health status of Edo people.

"These days, there are lots of apathy about immunization. We are here to disburse the minds of the people about vaccine uptake. Polio is still prevalent, so, we need to intensify effort on awareness campaigns", Dr. Agbama said.

State Immunization Officer (SIO), Mrs Omogun Enogie Elfrida gave an overview of the routine immunization and NPSIA coverage in the State. She said apart from polio, there are other non-polio diseases such as measles, hepatitis, meningitis, etc., that calls for immunization. 

Mrs Omogun gave the following as strategies for achieving routine immunization: fixed post sessions, outreach sessions, and mobile sessions. According to her, activities conducted so far include: HPV MAC introduction and routimization campaign; Integrated Measles campaign; and Targeted Zero outreach. 

She said 88% has been given HPV vaccines, why 12% is yet to be vaccinated. 

The SIO said their challenges include: Leadership/Governance; Supplies; Health Service Disparity; Access and Utilisation; and Funding. 

A UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Facilitator- Mac-Fisi Kenneth said the media and csos can help in raising awareness on the need for vaccine uptake in preventing outbreak of diseases. "The role of the media include: raising awareness; dispelling myths and misinformation; mobilising communities; and fostering trust.

"Key strategies of overcoming misinformation and vaccine hesitancy include: use of fact-based information about vaccine safety; sharing personal stories and testimonies from parents and community members who have vaccinated their children; and promoting the social and community responsibility aspect of vaccination. 

"The role of the csos include: community mobilization; logistical support; advocacy and policy influence; and building community trust", he said.

The SBC facilitator called for collaboration between the media and csos in strengthening outreach, joint campaigns, two-way communication, and crisis management.

Speaking, a Social Behavioural Change Specialist, UNICEF Lagos- Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole said Edo State was one of the states that constitute Lagos branch of UNICEF. She said "our future relies on our children that we keep healthy. It's a start in the right direction. This meeting is to enable us know how we can become better in our service delivery".

She emphasized the importance of overcoming myths  and misconceptions regarding vaccine uptake. She said the results of misconception include rumours, misinformation and disinformation. 

"Effects of misconceptions include: spread of rumours; reduction of trust; hesitancy in uptake; rejections; increase in the outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases; and increased child morbidity and mortality", she said.

From left- Ann Ojugo (representing people with disabilities), Dr. Desmond Agbama (Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Communication and Orientation), Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole (UNICEF, Lagos), Mrs. Rose Imonikhe (Director of Program)