Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board in collaboration with Development Partners has emphasised the need for updating knowledge and skills on MPOX, *prevention,* vaccination and delivery strategies that would enable effectively plan, implement and monitor vaccination programmes, addressing concerns and promoting vaccine uptake in communities.

Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola made this known at Stakeholders meeting on Monkey Pox (MPox) Vaccination programme in Abeokuta, towards the planning process of the forthcoming Programme in the State.

Dr. Ogunsola said, the meeting with the Stakeholders was necessary as they were key elements that play important roles in the society, hence, they would use their structures and influence in ensuring that the immunization message was delivered to every nooks and crannies of *some selected LGAs.* 

Represented by the State Immunization Officer, Dr. Suraju Olayinka, Ogunsola noted that stakeholders must understand the causes, symptoms, transmission and prevention strategies to effectively respond to the disease, highlighting the importance of ongoing educating and training for stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

He stressed on the importance of effective risk communication, urging stakeholders to develop the skills to communicate risks clearly, address misconceptions and mobilize communities to take action.

 Speaking, Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Thomas Solarin, represented by the State Health Education Officer, Mr. Elegbede said the importance of vaccination would save lives by *curtain* the spread of the disease to the barest minimum, adding that stakeholders should cascade and pass across the needed information to the various communities, as the vaccine would protect and increase lifespan.

In their goodwill messages, the State Coordinator, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Victoria Adebiyi and a Health Specialist from UNICEF, Dr. Olufemi Adeyemi, urged stakeholders to enlighten their people on the importance of vaccination as every individual above *18 years should be given the opportunity of a purposeful life by getting vaccinated with mpox vaccine.* 

Speaking on behalf of the Stakeholders, Alhaja Abubakar Jelilat from Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, appreciate the government for the meeting, pledging their support in ensuring success for the campaign in localities for better outcomes of the programme.

The meeting had in attendance the State team Partners: UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, NAFDAC and Stakeholders to include representatives of Community leaders, Religious Leaders, among others.