By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases following a statewide post-introduction spot check of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Williams Appah, disclosed this at the conclusion of the assessment exercise, which involved health officials and development partners reviewing the rollout of the MR vaccine across the state.
Appah described the exercise as a critical step toward strengthening Bayelsa’s immunisation programme, noting that it enabled authorities to evaluate vaccine coverage, verify reported data, and identify gaps in service delivery.
According to him, the spot check was designed to ensure that no eligible child is missed, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
He added that findings from the exercise would inform future strategies aimed at improving access to vaccines and enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
The Executive Secretary emphasised the Board’s commitment to sustaining high immunisation standards through continuous monitoring, community engagement, and collaboration with partners.
He also reassured residents that the state government remains focused on delivering quality healthcare services, as efforts are intensified to build a resilient health system capable of preventing outbreaks of diseases such as Measles and Rubella.
“Together, we are building a healthier future for our state,” Appah said.
Health stakeholders who participated in the exercise commended the initiative, stressing that regular post-introduction assessments are vital to maintaining the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and safeguarding public health.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the MR vaccine was recently integrated into Bayelsa’s routine immunisation schedule as part of broader efforts to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality linked to preventable diseases.
