Osun Government Flags Off Measles Vaccine 2, Charges Health Workers To Embrace Core Professional Values

In it's bid to foster qualitative healthcare service delivery and increase patients’ utilisation of efficient and affordable health services in all State-owned health facilities, the government of the State of Osun has charged all health workers in the State to embrace core professional values.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola represented by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Pharmacist (Dr.) Olasiji Olamiju who made this known while flagging off the introduction of Measles containing vaccine 2 (MCV 2) at Enikan-Oyun Primary Health centre in Osogbo, noted that some health workers, especially the nurses, ward staff and even doctors, exhibit total lack of emotional intelligence or empathy towards patients, their family members and visitors.

He said, “In my few days in office as the Special Adviser on Public Health, I have been inundated with complaints and reports from patients and the public on the poor attitude of our health workforce which is why I am calling for attitudinal change in the discharge of our duties.”

“The complaints and reports have become worrisome and it is inimical to our goal of providing quality affordable and efficient health services to the populace, which has made them lost confidence in the services provided, despite the government's huge investment in the area of rehabilitation, renovation and revitalization, with the procurement and distribution of medical equipments, essential drugs and other medical consumables to the 332 primary healthcare facilities across the State”, the Special Adviser said.

He also implored health workers especially the community health workers, nurses and doctors to continue to exude professionalism, discipline, integrity, humility, selflessness and great care built on patient centered care in the discharge of their noble duties.

Flagging off the measles immunization vaccine 2 for children between the ages of 15 and 23 months, Pharmacist Olamiju remarked that Osun is the first State to flag-off the immunization in the country, explaining that the measles immunization was to enhance community protection against diseases, and called on all stakeholders to play a role in ensuring that every child in the state is vaccinated.

The Executive Secretary, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi in his own remark explained that the first dose of measles vaccine children get in the 9 months does not confer enough immunity, hence the need for the second dose.

"Research have shown that the 1st dose children get in the 9 months does not convey enough immunity, therefore, to get 100 percent immunity against measles, 2nd dose is given between ages 15 and 23 months, so that they (children) will not suffer measles virus infection."

He explained further, "Measles 1st dose is part of the routine immunization which is been taken at 9 months, while the 2nd dose being introduced now is expected to be taken at 15 months."

He however appealed to all mothers and care givers not to allow their daily activities prevent them from bringing their children for all other routine immunizations, so far the government is magnanimous enough to provide vaccines for their children, he concluded.