BY EDWARD OSEGHE
The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Tuesday convened a town hall meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the rollout of the Mpox vaccination campaign in the state.
The engagement, organized by the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), aims to galvanize support and raise awareness ahead of the vaccination exercise targeted at high-risk groups across six local government areas—Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North East, Esan North East, Oredo, and Esan West—where cases of Mpox have been reported.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, Director at EDSPHCDA, who represented the Executive Secretary, Dr. Coulson Oahimire, said the vaccination campaign is being supported by the Federal Government, WHO, UNICEF, and the Edo State Government.
He noted that the campaign would prioritize health workers, individuals with weakened immune systems, and persons who have had close contact with infected individuals.
Also addressing the gathering, WHO Coordinator for Edo State, Mrs. Nora Eyo, assured stakeholders that the vaccine is safe, free, and effective. She urged community leaders to support awareness efforts and encourage eligible individuals to get vaccinated.
UNICEF Representative, Mr. Yakubu Suleiman, took the opportunity to inform participants of an upcoming measles-rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for 2026. Unlike routine immunization, which targets children aged 9 to 15 months, the forthcoming campaign will target children between the ages of 9 and 14 years.
“Preparations are in top gear, and we urge all stakeholders to help disseminate information within their communities,” he said.
The meeting had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, ward development committee members, civil society organizations, media representatives, health professionals, and officials from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies.
