Vaccination, neighborhood engagement key to baby survival – Consultants

In order to guarantee the survival and well-being of children in Ogun State and Nigeria at large, health experts and stakeholders have underlined the significance of early childcare, timely vaccination and active community involvement.

They stated this on Wednesday, during the quarterly meeting of the Social and Behavioural Change, SBC Committee, organized by the Ministry of Information and Strategy in Abeokuta.

The meeting held in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), had in attendance representatives of government ministries, civil society organizations, media partners, among others.

DAILY POST reports that the SBC Committee formally regarded as S-SOMTEC, focuses on fostering integrated and evidence-based social and behavioural change interventions that address key child rights issues.

The multi-sectoral committee is aimed at driving positive behavioural change at individual and community levels by addressing barriers that hinder children’s well-being across various areas.

UNICEF SBC Specialist, Mr. Michael Oyediji, noted that childhood illnesses such as polio and measles remain a threat, especially when preventive measures are ignored, emphasizing the need for proper hygiene practices and public health education to curb infections.

Mr. Oyediji also encouraged expectant mothers to attend at least four antenatal clinic visits to detect health risks early and reduce maternal and infant mortality.

A health educator with the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Waheed Elegede, asserted that change must begin with oneself before spreading to others, urging all parties involved to fully comprehend the different illnesses that children are prone to so that they can effectively educate the public.

He listed various disease like hepatitis, tetanus, measles, diarrheal, Human papillomavirus infection among others, stressing that they can be prevented by getting vaccinated .

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Waheed Adesina, said reforms in federal investments, health, education, and social policy must go beyond awareness,  and called for deliberate efforts to address cultural, economic, and psychological barriers.

Adesina commended the Programme Director, Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, and her team, for their tireless efforts in ensuring that plans materialize into the protection of lives for every community in the state.

“Today, we reconvene not merely as stakeholders, but as architects of a future where every child and mother in Ogun State thrives through our collective resolve. These discussions are not academic; they are lifelines connecting policy to the grassroots, where a child’s survival often hangs in the balance” he added.

Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, in her welcome address, noted that the gathering is a testament the of shared commitment to not only inform but also inspire action that transforms lives across Ogun State.

“The agenda before us reflects the urgency of our mission—from capacity building to mobilisation techniques for immunization. Let us engage with purpose, knowing that every idea shared here has the potential to ripple through communities, fostering healthier, safer futures for our children and families.”