Immunisation key to a healthy Nation – Medical Experts

Immunisation Promote sustained inclusive and sustainable economic growth, ensures healthy work force, and contributes to security of individuals and nations by preventing diseases and allows free travels from place to place, removes travel restrictions on people from endemic countries,

This was the assertion of a professor of Community Paediatric in the department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Alice Nte who spoke at the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Rivers State branch 2017 week.

Professor Nte who was represented by Doctor Bala Hart spoke on the theme, Declining Immunisation Coverage: Threat to National Security and Development stating that poor immunisation coverage can threaten the national and global security, among others.

The Rivers State Immunisation Officer, Doctor Rita Wilson explained the challenges and prospects of Immunisation coverage in the State.

Chairman of the Occasion, the Deputy Vice Chancellor UNIPORT,  Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi who highlighted the theme, and the Sub-theme of the ceremony, commended the NMA for being Proactive.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor Dr. Mrs Ipalibo Harry, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Prince will Harry, and other Stakeholders in the State.

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA Chairman, Rivers State branch, Doctor Datonye Alasia has also stressed the need for people to avail themselves for immunisations to avoid some preventable diseases, has been emphasized.

Doctor Datonye made the emphasis while briefing newsmen as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, begins its physician week 2017.

Doctor Alasia who pointed out some immunisable diseases which include Polio, cervical cancer, Measles among others urged people to avail themselves, children and wards for immunization.

He called on relevant authorities to intensify effort in organizing immunization programmes.

The NMA boss however noted that there is no vaccine for monkey pox as speculated by some people, stressing that every immunization activity is being carried out on approval by the appropriate authorities.

The theme for this year’s Physician Week is ‘Declining Immunisation Coverage: Threat to National Security and Development’ way  Forward, also with a sub theme: Career Pathways in Medicine: The New Frontiers.