Delta state government has frowned at rumourmongers allegedly bringing disrepute to the Current Polio Vaccination Campaign, Routine Immunization and distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets to vulnerable groups by the State Government.
Recall that there have claims and allegations that the polio vaccines procured by the state government were unsafe and not potent while the long lasting insecticidal Nets being distributed in the state were reportedly inadequate and ineffective, thereby resulting to Allergic skin rashes.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara has, in a recent state broadcast called on Deltans to disregard the rumours and warned “mischief makers who thrive on falsehood” to desist from peddling falsehood or risk prosecution when caught.
Otumara asserted that for over 4 years now, Delta State has not recorded any case of Poliomyelitis due to the high routine immunisation Coverage, just as no case of death has been reported from the use of the insecticidal Nets.
He urged traditional rulers, women groups, community based organizations, youth groups, among others to partner with the State Government in improving the Health of Deltans by helping to dispel negative rumours.
A broadcast message made available to Blank NEWS Online by the Delta State Ministry of Health reads:
“Fellow Deltans, it has come to the notice of the Delta State Ministry of Health that some misguided Deltans are peddling rumours to bring to disrepute, the Current Polio Vaccination Campaign, Routine Immunisation and distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets to vulnerable groups by the Delta State Government.
“I wish to emphasize that these laudable Health Programmes of the State Government have great potentials for immense Public Health benefits to the generality of Deltans. For over 4 years now, Delta State has not recorded any case of Poliomyelitis due to the high routine immunisation Coverage. Furthermore the free under-five Health Programme of the State Government is already achieving it’s objective of reducing under-five morbidity & mortality in the State.
“With regard to the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), it has been the policy of the State Government to have multifaceted approach to Malaria Control in the State including the use of the LLINs, Environmental Sanitation and appropriate use of antimalaria drugs which are being supplied free to the most vulnerable groups including pregnant women and under-five children. Parents, guardians and other caregivers are encouraged to avails themselves of the opportunities offered by the State Government by accessing these Health services aimed at improving their wellbeing.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the vaccines being utilized by Public Health facilities in the State are procured by the Federal Government of Nigeria through UNICEF and supplied to the various States of the Federation by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. The vaccines are safe and potent due to an efficient Cold Chain System being maintained right from the manufacturers abroad through the National strategic Cold Store in Abuja down to the various Health facilities in the State.
“Regarding the LLINs, these Nets are procured and imported through the Global Fund in partnership with UNICEF and the MDGs office in the presidency and distributed to the various States under the auspices of the National Malaria Control Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health. The long lasting insecticidal Nets are safe. They are to be hung for 24 hours in a shady area before use. Mild Allergic Skin rashes have been reported by individuals who do not hang these Nets in a shady area before use. These skin rashes tend to clear off within a short period without any long term effects.
“I hereby call on all Deltans to disregard these ill-meaning rumours which are intended to reduce the collective immunity of our children and pregnant women against endemic diseases thereby increasing the death rates among the vulnerable groups of children and pregnant women.
“Permit me to use this medium to warn those mischief makers who thrive on falsehood. They will be prosecuted when caught in their nefarious acts.
“I urge various well meaning Deltans including traditional rulers, women groups, community based organizations, youth groups etc to partner with the State Government in improving the Health of Deltans by helping to dispel these Negative Rumours.
“Thank You All.”
