By John Dilee, Osogbo
Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, in partnership with World Health Organization and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, has commenced a three-day stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening routine immunization services and improving vaccine coverage across the state.
The meeting, holding at GMT Hotel in Osogbo, has brought together top health officials from the 30 local government areas and the area office to review existing strategies and chart a more effective approach to the weekly immunization exercises conducted in health facilities.
Speaking at the opening session, Shina Igbalaye, Executive Secretary of Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, said the engagement was designed to harmonise the efforts of all stakeholders involved in immunization delivery and ensure improved access to life-saving vaccines for children and vulnerable populations.
According to him, the programme forms part of a joint initiative by the World Health Organization and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to strengthen routine immunization systems, improve vaccine uptake and enhance public health outcomes through effective monitoring and supervision.
Dr. Igbalaye explained that participants at the workshop include Directors of Primary Health Care, Coaching Officers, Health Promotion Officers, Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, as well as Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers from all local government areas in the state.
He noted that the broad representation was intended to ensure that every critical component of the immunization programme receives adequate attention and that practical solutions are developed to address challenges affecting service delivery
“The objective is to assess current strategies, identify gaps in implementation and develop workable measures that will enhance routine immunization services in all health facilities across Osun State,” he said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that routine immunization remains one of the most effective interventions in primary healthcare, adding that sustained collaboration among health authorities and development partners would help reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and improve child survival indices in the state.
He further urged stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring that no eligible child is left out of the immunization programme, describing vaccination as a vital tool in safeguarding the health and future of children.
Among dignitaries present at the opening ceremony were Adekunle Akindele, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health; S. A. Oyerinde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care; and Tajudeen Adisa, Chairman of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board.
Also in attendance were representatives of development partners and other stakeholders in the health sector
Participants are expected to engage in intensive deliberations, capacity-building sessions and action planning over the course of the three-day workshop, with the ultimate goal of strengthening routine immunization services and improving healthcare outcomes across Osun State.
