WHO lauds Cross River’s measles programme

The Guardian Nigeria|Anietie Akpan, Calabar

THE World Health Organization (WHO), has lauded the state Social Mobilization Office for its robust preparation for the December 2015 Integrated Measles Campaign (IMC).
The South-South Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. Williams Komakech, who was enthusiastic about the preparation said, for over one year, there has been no reported case of polio in Nigeria and expressed the hope that measles and other preventable diseases will soon be eradicated in the state and the country.

Dr. Komakech who spoke at an Integrated Measles Campaign (IMC) meeting held at the Essential Drug Programme Room recently, said that he was in the state to meet and observe the activities of other United Nation’s agencies.
He called for accurate information on the disease and preventive measures to be given to the people, and appealed for good coverage in the local councils to ensure a successful implementation of the campaign and vaccination programme.
Also speaking, WHO Integrated Measles Campaign Consultant, Mrs. Sherijat Lawal, said awareness creation, elimination of measles and advocacy visits were some objectives of the campaign alongside activities which will culminate in the implementation from December 1st – 18th this year.
Mrs. Lawal said during implementation, measles vaccine and oral polio will be given, noting that, treatment will be at designated health posts.
She recalled that, in 2013, some children were not immunized against measles, one of the killer diseases, stressing that, the target group include children from 9 months to 5 years.