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BY Akpan David, Calabar
The Cross River State government and partners have commenced issuance of vaccine to prevent neonatal tetanus.
The vaccine is the Supplementary Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Campaign.
The event kicked off from Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
The government is targeting to reach all women of child bearing age from 15 – 41 years with the Tetanus Vaccine.
“The vaccine provides protection for mother and child. The chances of a baby surviving neonatal tetanus or even an adult, is very slim. The cost of treatment is too much. Therefore we are targeting to just prevent it!”
The flag off of the campaign in Mma Effa community Health center.
Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Betta Edu emphasized the need for Community members to take advantage of health interventions for their well being.
Dr Edu noted that, with huge investments from the government and it’s partners to provide quality and accessible healthcare for all, delibrate measures should be taken by citizens to take advantage of all of the services .
Esu described the tetanus eradication exercise as one that can drastically reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality.
UNICEF and WHO are the those partnering with the government in the campaign.
Director General of Cross River State, Dr Janet Ekpenyong frowned at the increasing rate of maternal and child Mortality as a result of tetanus infection by poor households.
She said , the high figures of Tetanus infection as well as deaths in rural Communities is as a result of unprofessional attitude of traditional birth attendants who uses Unhygienic and contaminated equipment during delivery.
She emphasized the need for Pregnant women to seek medical help in health Facilities closest to them as against the traditional or Religious centres as currently practiced.
