Kwara Government Raises Alarm Over Parental Resistance to Routine Immunisation

The Kwara State government has expressed concern over growing parental resistance to routine immunisation campaigns for children aged 0 to 59 months, with some parents demanding palliatives as a condition for vaccination.

The concern was raised during the ongoing Routine Immunisation Vaccine Catch-Up exercise, which focuses on addressing immunisation gaps in Ilorin East, Ifelodun, and Baruten Local Government Areas. These areas previously recorded suboptimal performance in vaccination coverage, partly attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on integrated health campaigns across all 16 local government areas, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of the Primary Healthcare System, highlighted the risks posed by the increasing number of unvaccinated children.

He noted that resistance from some parents, particularly fathers, remains a significant barrier to achieving immunisation targets. “Some parents even demand palliatives or incentives before allowing their children to be vaccinated,” he said, underscoring the financial burden of the vaccines, which cost the federal government about N70,000 per dose despite being offered free of charge to the public.

Dr. Oguntoye emphasised the critical role of immunisation as a cost-effective public health intervention. He stated that vaccines prevent about 60% of diseases, thereby reducing healthcare costs for families.

“Some parents even demand palliatives or incentives before allowing their children to be vaccinated,” he said,

The government has called on community leaders, health workers, and stakeholders to intensify advocacy efforts, reminding parents of the long-term benefits of routine immunisation for their children’s health and well-being.