UNICEF: 20,000 children yet to be immunised in Bayelsa
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The United Nations Childrens Education Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, has revealed that 20,000 children in the state have not yet been immunised. Ms Munduate made this announcement during a presentation ceremony in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, donated six water ambulances to the Bayelsa State government to enhance immunisation coverage and primary care services in riverine communities.
Ms Munduate explained that the purpose of the water ambulances was to address existing gaps in the healthcare sector, as there are still approximately 20,000 children in Bayelsa who have not received immunisations. While commending the Bayelsa State Government for prioritising healthcare, particularly in primary healthcare, she highlighted that the state had achieved a 20 per cent increase in routine immunisation over the past few years. However, she emphasised the need for further improvement to achieve 100 per cent coverage.
Related News
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, appealed to UNICEF to establish a field office in the state. This call aimed to enhance coordination and partnership with the government for effective program implementation. Governor Diri expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) for their collaboration in improving primary healthcare indicators. He also acknowledged UNICEFs donation of water ambulances and the renovation of several primary healthcare centres across the state.
Governor Diri mentioned that the states nutrition policy would soon be unveiled and assured UNICEF of the governments commitment to utilising the ambulances effectively. He expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for the water ambulances, which will greatly contribute to the healthcare delivery system in the state.
Jessica Crawford, the Senior Country Representative of GAVI, described the ceremony as a dream come true for both GAVI and UNICEF. She commended the state government for its dedication and commitment to improving healthcare services. Crawford expressed hope that the provision of ambulances would lead to improved immunisation coverage and overall primary healthcare delivery in Bayelsa.
Overall, the donation of water ambulances and the collaboration between UNICEF, GAVI, and the Bayelsa State government aim to address the immunisation gaps and enhance healthcare services, particularly in remote riverine communities.