On the 29th of April, 2025, the First Lady of Edo State Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani officially flagged off the African Vaccination Week at Eyaen Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
African Vaccination Week is usually observed annually from 23rd to 30th April to promote the life-saving benefits of immunization.
This event highlights the Edo State Government’s strong focus on improving maternal and child health under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Monday Okpebholo. The Government has made major investments in revitalizing primary healthcare centres and hiring more healthcare workers to better serve women and children across Edo State.
While delivering her speech, the First Lady stressed the importance of routine immunization to protect children’s health and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the State. She encouraged mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to ensure proper growth and development. She also urged parents to make use of government-run healthcare centres to ensure access to effective vaccines and quality medicines.
The event was well attended by several important guests, including members of the First Lady’s team, the Wife of the Honourable Chairman of Uhunmwonde LGA, Mrs. Esther Osas Iredia, EDSPHCDA Director, Disease Control and Immunization Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Zonal Technical Officer, Mr. Jerry Osawe, Edo State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO) Mrs Nora Eyo, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Elfreda Omogun, and her assistant, the EDSPHCDA Health Educator, Mrs. Irene Uabor, as well as the LGA health team. Development partners like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF also participated, showing their strong support for immunization efforts and improving healthcare access in Edo State.
