By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has flagged off the 2025 Measles, Rubella, Polio, and (HPV) vaccination campaign.
The launch which took place at the Primary Healthcare Center in Lokoja the state capital, was aimed at making the state free of measles, polio among others
The campaign, which targets over a million children between the ages of Nine months to fourteen years, is part of a nationwide effort to ensure a healthy nation.
Governor Ododo said the campaign is not just about vaccines it’s about protecting the lives and future of the children ages Nine months to fourteen years.
According to the governor the campaign for the vaccination will last between 7th and 15th of October which is expected to reach every nook and crannies of the state.
He explained that children between the ages of nine months to five years will be Vaccinated against measles ,and Rubella diseases and polio vaccine including the Human Papilloma Virus for the prevention of cervical cancer among girls between the ages of Nine years to fourteen years of age
He emphasized the importance of routine immunization in preventing life-threatening diseases and urged parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination at designated centers across the state.
“I urge all parents and caregivers to make sure your children receive these vaccines. They are free, safe, and effective. When you vaccinate your child, you are protecting not just your family but the entire community” Ododo said.
The governor also warned against selling the vaccines to the public.
Earlier the Director Kogi Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Doctor Muazu Musa Adeiza said the campaign is a crucial intervention aimed at protecting children against deadly but preventable diseases.
“This campaign which is expected to run from sixth to fifteenth of October twenty twenty five represents a coordinated life saving effort to protect our most precious resources, that is our children and adolescent, Said Muazu.
According to Doctor Muazu the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccines is for girls from ages nine years to fourteen years to prevent them from cervical cancer which has claimed so many lives.
He said the vaccines are safe, effective, and free and called on parents and caregivers to take full advantage of this opportunity by ensuring their children receive the required doses.
The Commissioner for Health Doctor AbdulAziz Adeiza Adams commended the efforts of frontline health workers and assured the public that adequate logistics have been put in place to ensure smooth implementation across all Local Government Areas.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Media and community influencers to support the campaign by spreading accurate information and encouraging participation at the grassroots level.
The Commissioner appreciated the governor and his wife for their tireless efforts at ensuring that every child is vaccinated.
The high point of the event was the administering of the vaccines to some children by the governor.