The Kwara State government has expressed concern over a growing reluctance among parents to participate in routine immunisation campaigns, with some demanding “palliatives” before permitting their children, aged 0 to 59 months, to receive vaccines.
The state’s ongoing Routine Immunisation Vaccine Catch-Up exercise is targeting Ilorin East, Ifelodun, and Baruten local government areas—regions that have shown suboptimal immunisation coverage in the past.
Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of the Primary Healthcare System, raised the alarm during a stakeholders’ meeting on integrated health campaigns spanning all 16 local government areas in the state, as reported by Daily Trust.
He attributed part of the immunisation gap to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the risks of leaving children unvaccinated.
Dr. Oguntoye warned of the dangers posed by unvaccinated children, stating, “Unvaccinated children risk re-infecting others, potentially spreading life-threatening diseases.”
However, he highlighted another critical challenge: resistance from some parents, particularly fathers, who demand incentives before consenting to the immunisation of their children.
“Some parents even demand palliatives or incentives before allowing their children to be vaccinated,” he said.
He reminded stakeholders that while vaccines are administered free of charge, each dose costs the federal government approximately N70,000.
Dr. Oguntoye stressed the importance of vaccination as a proven public health intervention, stating that it prevents 60% of diseases and significantly reduces healthcare costs for families.
The state government continues to call on parents to prioritize their children’s health over material demands, stressing the long-term benefits of immunisation in safeguarding communities from preventable diseases.
