The Edo State government, through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), officially flagged off the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) Polio Vaccination Exercise in Ugbekun Primary Healthcare Centre, Benin City.
Key officials attended the event, including Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, and Hajia Nana Gani Audu, wife of the Chief of Staff, Edo State.
Okpebholo in her speech emphasised the governor’s strong commitment to the well-being of mothers and children.
She reassured the public that the polio vaccine which is administered as just two drops to children aged 0-5years, has no side effects urging mothers to ensure their children receive the vaccination to protect them against polio disease.
The commissioner for Health Dr Cyril Oshiomhole who was represented by the permanent secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian, officially welcomed everyone present to the NIPDs flag-off event.
He reminded parents that the NIPD polio vaccination is intended to complement the routine immunisations in Edo State, not to replace them.
While delivering his speech, the executive secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire, thanked Governor Okphebholo for providing support to the agency and technical partners to ensure the NIPDs polio vaccination exercise runs smoothly and protects the health of Edo children.
He informed everyone that the vaccination campaign would commence from June 28th to July 3, 2025.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and partners, including Hon. Jolly Obosa Ogbeide, chairman of Ikpoba Okha local government area represented by Comrade Nosa Omoruyi, the secretary to the LGA.
Other notable attendees included members of the Ikpoba Okha Council, Ikpoba Okha Ward Development Committee Chairman (WDC), Oredo woman leader Mrs. Esther Kolade and the Ikpoba Okha Local Health Authority led by the Medical Officer for Health Dr. Beauty Ehikioya.
Key technical partners such as Mrs. Gloria Phillips, Edo State NPHCDA Coordinator, and her team, Edo State WHO State Coordinator Mrs. Nora Eyo and her team, and Mrs. Eloho Michael, UNICEF Programme Assistant and her team were also in attendance.
In addition, the EDSPHCDA directors, heads of unit, programme officers, health educators, staff, and representatives from MDAs like SUBEB, the media, and many others were present to support the initiative.
The event was officially kicked off by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who administered two drops of the NOPV polio vaccine to a child, symbolizing the start of the vaccination exercise.
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