Low immunisation poses challenge: Dept secretary

Health department secretary Dr Osborne Liko says the department and stakeholders’ collective responsibility is to address the root causes of low child immunisation coverage.
Liko emphasised this during the launching of the new immunisation took kit last Tuesday.
He said the routine immunisation in the country had faced a lot of challenges that had caused the lower coverage of child immunisation.
“That includes limited human and financial resources, shortage of vaccines, challenges in distribution of vaccines, dispersed rural populations, aging workforce, rugged geography and illiteracy,” Liko said.
“Misinformation and fear have taken root in specific communities, service delivery hurdles impede family’s access to immunisation services.
“Particularly in rural areas and a pervasive lack of motivation and awareness persist among caregivers regarding the importance of routine immunisation.
“Whilst we gather here today to witness the launch of the routine immunisation toolkit for improving community awareness and demand for vaccines, I would like to emphasise our collective responsibility is address the root causes of low immunisation coverage.”
Liko said the responsibility involved fostering understanding and trust within communities, and ensuring that every child had access to life saving vaccines.
“We need to dispel myths and fears surrounding immunisation,” he said.
“Strengthen our health service delivery, particularly in remote regions, which is essential to guarantee that families can easily access immunisation services.
“Moreover, awareness creation, community engagement, collaboration with religious and community leaders and
strengthening interpersonal communication among health care providers play a pivotal role in building support for routine immunisation.
“It is through these concerted efforts that we can motivate caregivers and families to prioritise and value the importance of immunisation in the overall health and wellbeing of their children.”