By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government says it is targeting about 1.2 million children for vaccination as the World Immunization Week commences.
The theme for the 2025 World Immunization Week is entitled: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Ilorin, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency explained that the Week is commemorated to celebrate the wins of vaccination.
According to her, immunization is one of the most effective public health intervention.
She added that it is also a fundamental right, a shared responsibility and an important investment in our future.
“Vaccines have saved over150 million lives over the past 50 years of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), reducing infant mortality by 40 percent and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases,” she said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the theme emphasizes the importance of ensuring everyone, regardless of age or location, has access to life-saving vaccines.
“The Week is aimed at ensuring that there are sustained global efforts to reach every child and adult with vaccines.
“This includes strengthening national immunization programs, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations,” she said.
Elelu pointed out that we can make a difference by advocating for stronger immunization programs, supporting community-based immunization initiatives, and ensuring that everyone has access to the life-saving power of vaccines.
She enjoined mothers and caregivers, to ensure that their children get the life-saving vaccines to protect vulnerable children against diseases.
Also speaking, Dr Michael Oguntoye, the Director Primary Healthcare System of the Agency stated that about 1.2 million children, between the ages of zero to five years would be captured during the week.
He added that the immunization will ensure that children that were missed previously can still get immunized to prevent them from any diseases.
“This is to create awareness for people to demand for immunization services,” he said.
Oguntoye also assured that the immunization will also cover communities that are flashpoint of insecurity.
He explained that the state government has deployed security agents, as well as local vigilante groups to support all activities of the health intervention.
According to him, this will ensure children in those communities are not left behind and their health are protected.
The Agency commemorated the week with Sensitization Walk across Ilorin metropolis to create awareness of week.
