Akure, When 30-yr-dilapidated Ajibola Ibukunoluwa walked into the Comprehensive Health Centre, Isolo in Akure South Local Govt Condo in Ondo Disclose, she wasn’t accurate bringing her three-month-dilapidated runt one for a routine immunisation shot—she changed into stepping into a streak.
It changed into the annual African Vaccination Week (AVW), an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the use of vaccines to give protection to of us of all ages against vaccine-preventable illnesses across the African Station.
The commemoration changed into held nationwide from 24 to 30 April.
For Ajibola, vaccination is a must, as she understands the safety it gives against vaccine-preventable illnesses comparable to measles, yellow fever, hepatitis B, and polio, among others.
“Immunisation reduces mortality in children, and I’ll keep encouraging others to get their children vaccinated. The vaccination week has helped raise awareness among mothers,” she acknowledged.
Love Ajibola, 70 diversified mothers and caregivers gathered on the power on 24 April 2025 to lend their dispute in elevating awareness of the importance of vaccination because the Ondo Disclose Govt via Ondo Disclose Critical Health Care Pattern Agency (OSPHCDA), in collaboration with WHO and key partners, together with Clinton Health Earn admission to Initiatives (CHAI) and UNICEF designate the 14th edition of African Vaccination Week.
With this yr’s theme, “Immunisation for all is humanly possible,” the event aimed to renew public commitment to existence-saving vaccines and promote equal entry for every runt one, no subject space or circumstance.
Hassan Olayinka, one other caregiver whose 9-month-dilapidated toddler received the measles, yellow fever, and meningitis vaccines on the event, expressed her gratitude to the authorities, WHO, and partners for making the vaccines accessible and available to kids in the nation.
“Immunisation is a very powerful tool. It prevents children from falling sick. I am happy with the services I received today and will advise mothers in my neighbourhood to take it seriously. I thank the State Government and partners like WHO for organising this.”
The Particular Adviser to the Governor on Health, Professor Michael Sinmidele Odimayo, representing the speak governor, referred to as on mothers to turn out to be advocates for immunisation: “Inform those ignorant about vaccination and its importance. Vaccination is a human right.”
He highlighted the speak’s health priorities—together with free Hepatitis B cure and the expansion of the health insurance coverage intention.
Handing over WHO’s goodwill message on behalf of the Nation Consultant, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Dr Adebayo acknowledged: “The African Vaccination Week is a reminder of WHO’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to life-saving vaccines.
Immunisation is a human right, and this year’s theme is a powerful call to action. We appreciate all caregivers and partners championing this cause.”
During the event, Professor Odimayo and Dr Adebayo administered doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Rota vaccine, and Vitamin A to eligible kids.
In total, 70 kids had been immunised. To abet persisted participation and advocacy, all 70 caregivers received diapers as incentives and had been recognised as “immunisation champions.”
Additionally in attendance had been the Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Administration Board, Dr Ayodele Ojo Adiji; Director of Disease Earn a watch on and Immunization, Dr Victor Adefesoye (representing the Executive Secretary of OSPHCDA); WHO Disclose Coordinator (represented by Dr Ibraheem Adebayo); Ward Pattern Committee Chairman, spiritual leaders, and representatives from partner organisations.
The presence of health workers, local media, and public and non-public stakeholders added weight to the message that immunisation is now no longer accurate a scientific intervention—it is a community-driven commitment to protecting kids’s future.
For mothers like Hassan and Ajibola, the skills changed into extra than symbolic—it reaffirmed their characteristic in safeguarding their kids’s health and a testament to the energy of collaboration between governments, communities, and global partners like WHO.
