Health officials in Zombo District have issued stern warnings to ensure only qualified medical personnel administer injectables during the ongoing “Big Catch-up for Immunisation” campaign.
Harriet Thumitho, a health educator for Zombo District, cautioned against the involvement of unqualified individuals in administering vaccines, following reports of adverse reactions among vaccinated children.
Parents and local leaders have raised concerns over incidents at vaccination centres where several children reportedly fainted, vomited, or collapsed for hours after receiving their immunisations.
One affected parent, Serefina, a resident of Uturgang Ward in Paidha Town Council, recounted a distressing experience when her daughter fainted and remained unconscious for hours after receiving a vaccine.
“My child studies at Uturgang Girls Primary School. On the day they received the vaccination, I found her lying down in pain. I was terrified for her life,” she shared.
Tom Orwodhi, a Zombo District councillor for older persons and secretary for social services, also highlighted the issue, claiming to have witnessed ten girls collapse at the same school after their vaccinations.
He alleged that non-medics had been administering drugs at some vaccination centres, accusing the district health department of neglecting to hire qualified medics who are instead employed in private practice.
According to Orwodhi, the affected children were rushed to Paidha Health Centre III, where they were stabilised with intravenous drips. “I noticed some of the women administering drugs are not medics,” he said, calling for stricter oversight.
The Ministry of Health launched the nationwide immunisation campaign on 11th November 2024. The programme aims to vaccinate children under five years old, administer HPV vaccines to girls aged 10-14, and provide tablets for bilharzia to children aged 5-14.
In response to the concerns, Thumitho clarified that retired medics and trained non-medics are involved in the campaign but are only authorised to distribute oral medications like Mebendazole and Vitamin A drops.
“We do not allow them to administer injections. They are trained to give tablets and drops only,” she explained, urging unqualified personnel to adhere strictly to their roles.
Thumitho acknowledged the reported side effects, such as vomiting and drowsiness, as possible bodily reactions to the vaccines.
She advised parents to ensure children eat before receiving injections and to seek medical assistance if severe reactions occur.
Mark Bramali, the acting Zombo District Health Officer, assured the public that the initial challenges, including logistical issues and adverse reactions, have been managed.
Speaking in a telephone interview, he noted that no severe cases have been reported since the first day of the campaign.
Bramali revealed that the district enlisted 100 health workers and partnered with private-sector personnel to meet the required 300 staff for the immunisation drive.
“We ensured that everyone underwent training for the task, and our health facilities remain operational with staff attending to patients,” he stated.
The campaign continues to target under-immunised and unvaccinated children across the district. Health officials are urging the public to cooperate with trained personnel to ensure the success of the exercise.
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