OGSG, Unicef Advocate Aggressive Education, Awareness For Malaria Elimination In Ogun

ABEOKUTA – There is need to ensure proper funding and increased interventions to support aggressive education and citizens awareness on reducing malaria rate in Ogun State, particularly among the children.

Participants in an advocacy session and stakeholders discussion in Abeokuta made the submission at the State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee, S-SOMTEC, meeting organized by the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, in conjunction with the UNICEF, Lagos Field Office.

They also called for continuous orientation and education for residents on the proper usage of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets and other safety practices.

Addressing the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina called on stakeholders to harness their influence and resources towards ensuring the success of the scheduled immunization activities for the year, while expressing appreciation to UNICEF for the commitment to enhancing the well-being of Nigerian Children and eliminating malaria in the country.

“I am delighted to be here with you again at the last State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) Meeting for the year. It is an immense pleasure to see so many dedicated individuals gathered here today, representing various government line ministries, departments and agencies, faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, child protection networks, our esteemed media partners, and all other stakeholders who share in our mission of enhancing child survival and development in our beloved state.

“The Ministry of Information and Strategy, with its unwavering commitment to effective communication and dissemination of vital information, has been a viable channel for reaching our citizens.

” Our assiduous efforts in collaboration with the UNICEF Lagos Field Office over the years have ensured that the message of child survival, development, and protection permeates every nook and cranny of our state. Specifically, we have worked jointly with the Primary Healthcare Board to amplify key interventions aimed at ensuring that children, irrespective of their background, are given a chance to live and thrive.

“As a Ministry, we have been fortunate to enjoy the global expertise as well as technical and funding support in our mission for the children of our dear state. Their dedication to the well-being of children is renowned, and their collaboration with us has been instrumental in shaping our strategies and approaches.

“Since the relaunch of this committee in 2023, we have joined the mobilization efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Primary Healthcare Board, and other health agencies for child-focused programmes. For each and every member of this committee, you are well aware of your role: to participate actively in mobilization efforts for specific interventions aimed at child survival, development, and protection.

“As we gather here today, I am profoundly honored to inform you that one of our core responsibilities as a Committee will be deliberated on. The health education unit of the Primary Healthcare Board will sensitize members of the committee on rumours, fake news, and vaccine hesitancy.

“This is crucial as misinformation can significantly hinder our efforts and lead to decreased vaccination rates and increased vulnerability of children to preventable diseases. Educating ourselves on these issues will enable us to better inform the public and combat the spread of false information, thereby protecting the health of our communities.

“Additionally, we have with us a member of the a member of Health Promotion Unit, Public Department of the Ministry of Health who will be leading a discussion on the value of Insecticide Treated Nets and our role in continually sensitizing the public on their proper usage.

“I am sure you are aware of the ongoing distribution of the nets across the State. After the campaign, what next? This meeting offers an opportunity for us to deliberate on ways to ensure that the nets are properly used by residents.

“I believe that together, this Committee will work tirelessly to bridge gaps, dispel myths, and promote essential family practices that are the cornerstone of child survival and development. I also call on us all to use our mobilization capability to support the remaining immunization activities for the year.

” Our collective mission is not only to disseminate information but to inspire action and behavioral change, ensuring that every child in our state has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow.

“In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the UNICEF Lagos Field Office for their support for this programme. I cannot thank them enough for their continued support. I also appreciate the efforts of the Programme Director, Alhaja Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, and her team for their unwavering dedication to this assignment”.

Also, the Programme Director in the Ministry, Alhaja Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to promoting effective immunization and healthy living in partnership with relevant stakeholders, like Community Development Councils, Trade and Market Associations, as well as Religious and Traditional leaders.

She noted that the collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders is meant for child survival and development.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the final State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) Meeting of the year. Your presence here today, representing various government ministries, departments, agencies, faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, child protection networks, media partners, and other stakeholders, underscores our shared commitment to advancing child survival and development in Ogun State.

“Today’s meeting is yet again a demonstration of our collective dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of every child in our state. Over the years, our collaboration with the UNICEF Lagos Field Office and the Primary Healthcare Board has enabled us to reach every corner of Ogun State with critical messages and interventions aimed at protecting and nurturing our children.

“Your hard work and tireless efforts have been instrumental in these successes.

“As we convene. Surely we have lessons learned to share as stakeholders. We want to learn from you. Also, I request that each of us look at each issue discussed critically and make solution-oriented contributions.

“All these would be compiled by our Secretariat and sent to the office of the Social and Behavioural Change, UNICEF Lagos Field Office.

“Our goal is not just to disseminate information but to inspire action and foster behavioral change within our communities. I am certain that through our collaborative efforts as a Committee, we can bridge gaps, dispel myths, and promote essential practices that are vital for the survival and development of our children”. She concluded

Speaking on myths and misconceptions about immunization, a Resource Person, Alhaji Wahab Elegbede urged the participants to use their influence and networks to convince the people that vaccines were safe, free, and highly effective in preventing diseases and protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses.