The Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency KWSPHCDA on Thursday, sentisized key stakeholders on Rotavirus disease and introduction of Rota Vaccine.
Speaking at sensitization programe which was held at KWSPHCDA Ilorin, Dr. Nurudeen Adana noted that Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children below the age of five, worldwide. He noted that study revealed that Nigeria records greater incidence in the warm dry month.
“Almost every child acquires the infection by their fifth birthday, with majority of infection occuring below the age of one year in most developing countries”.
Dr. Adana noted that its symptoms include; fever, vomiting, water diarrhea which may be severe, and general feelings of being unwell, added that decreased skin turgor, sunken eyes, restlessness, others are major symptoms for infants.
“Infants and children are most affected, and diarrhea episode last for about 3-7 days”.
He disclosed that the primary mode of transmission is faeco-oral, where the virus is passed in the stool of an infected person to the mouth of another through direct or indirect contact with contaminated hands, surface or objects.
He however said it cannot be treated with antibiotics or other drugs but can be prevented by administration of Rotavirus vaccine.
The State Social Mobilization Officer, Dr. Dupe Shittu, posited that Rotavirus Diarrhoeal Disease caused by Rotavirus is most common in infants and young children of 3 to 35 months of age. However, Rotavirus commonly causes severe, watery diarrhoea, mostly in infants and young children. Children who developed diarrhoea due to Rotavirus can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized, saying, without proper treatment and care, death can result.
“The Rota Vaccine Rota vaccine is the best way to protect your child against diarrhoeal disease caused by rotavirus. Most children who get the vaccine will be protected from severe diarrhoea”.
Rota vaccine will be introduced into Nigeria EPI, schedule from 22nd August 2022. In which the vaccine will be available in all health facilities during fixed and outreach immunization sessions.
“Children should get 1St dose of Rotavirus vaccine orally at 6 weeks with OPV1, Penta1, PCV1, lPV1), 2nd dose at 10 weeks with OPV2‚ Penta2 and PCV2 and 3rd dose at 14 weeks with OPV3, PENTA3, PCV3 and IPV2.
She urged parents to ensure their child completes his/her immunization schedule. Also, personal and environmental hygiene, good nutrition including exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of a child’s life, hand washing with soap and water are all useful general preventive measures against diarrheal diseases caused by Rotavirus and other germs.
Director, KWSPHCDA, Dr. Michael Oguntoye therefore, urged the religious leaders to disseminate key messages on Rota vaccine and routine immunization through public statements and religious gatherings during sermons, naming ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, etc.
“Participate in community dialogues or meetings to further strengthen public contidence in demanding for immunization for all eligible children”
“Invite health workers to come and speak to your congregation about Immunization, its benefits to children and about the importance of completing routine immunization for children 0 24 Months”
“House-to-house, door-to-door and community mobilization especially in hard-to-convince and hard-to-reach areas”.
