Bayelsa govt urges residents to participate in cholera vaccination campaign
By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Government, on Friday, called on residents to actively participate in the ongoing Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign.
Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made the appeal at the weekend during the flag-off of cholera vaccination campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Government House, Yenagoa.
Diri encouraged citizens to take advantage of the vaccination drive, describing the vaccine as both safe and effective in boosting immunity.
The governor praised WHO for its consistent support in addressing the state’s healthcare challenges, crediting collaboration between the state government and health stakeholders for preventing outbreaks that affected other states in the South-South region.
In furtherance of the campaign, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Information, Strategy, and Orientation, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, to intensify awareness efforts about the vaccination, while also urging local government officials to lead by example by taking the vaccine themselves to show the importance of public trust in the safety and efficacy of the OCV.
He said:
“l encourage Bayelsans and residents to go out en masse to get vaccinated with the Oral Cholera Vaccine because it is safe and has zero side effects.”
He commended Hon. Moses Marlon and Hon. Bonnie Ayah, lawmakers representing Southern Ijaw Constituencies 3 and 1 respectively, for setting an example by taking the vaccine during the event.
Diri said:
“I commend Hon. Moses Marlon, member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 3, and his colleague, Hon Bonnie Ayah, representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 1, who have demonstrated leadership by taking the vaccine.”
Also, Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, reassured the public of the government’s commitment to strengthening health emergency response systems.
Brisibe announced the arrival of 7,000 doses of the cholera vaccine provided by WHO to kick-start vaccinations in Southern Ijaw and Nembe Local Government Areas( LGAs).
Focusing on the safety record of all vaccinations conducted in the state, Professor Brisibe praised the Diri-led administration for its proactive healthcare initiatives, including regular medical outreaches.
Dr. Marcus Oluwadare, WHO’s State Coordinator, lauded Bayelsa’s exemplary response to health emergencies, adding that the state is the first in Nigeria to receive the OVC, which is safe for children aged one and above.
Oluwadare reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Bayelsa’s health system and applauded its leadership for their proactive approach to healthcare.
A major moment of the flag-off ceremony was the administration of the oral vaccine to the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Constituency Three, Hon. Moses Marlon; his Constituency One counterpart, Hon. Bonny Ayah; the Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; and other top government officials.
