30/04/2026
Africa Vaccination Week 2026:
No child should die from vaccine preventable diseases, says Prof. Brisibe
~ reaffirms commitment, thanks Gov. Diri, Deputy
The Bayelsa State Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, has reaffirmed the Prosperity Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child dies from vaccine preventable diseases.
Speaking today at the popular Swali market immediately after the Prosperity Road Walk commemorating the 2026 African Vaccination Week in Yenagoa, the Commissioner emphasized that the collective goal of the government, health workers, and citizens is to safeguard the lives of children through proactive healthcare interventions, particularly immunization.
He expressed deep appreciation to ES and Staff of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, staff of the Ministry of Health and all implementing partners who took part in the prosperity walk and awareness campaign of the Africa Vaccination Week.
Reiterating the vision of the Prosperity Government, the Commissioner lauded Gov. Douye Diri and his Deputy for their prowess in healthcare development, and highlighting the administration’s focus on increasing life expectancy and improving the overall quality of life for all Bayelsans.
He urged community members to spread the message and encourage participation, stressing that the success of the campaign depends on collective action, the ongoing health initiatives, including the immunization campaign, all are critical pillars in achieving these objectives.
According to him, "as the Ministry marks Africa Vaccination Week, designated teams aimed at reaching all children, both in and out of school are set in place. Also as part of the exercise, health teams have been deployed to markets to ensure easy access to immunization services".
Prof. Brisibe encouraged parents and guardians to bring their children for vaccination, even if it requires temporarily leaving their business activities as the initiative also includes targeted vaccination for young girls to prevent future health conditions such as cervical cancer, other diseases.
In his words: I assure you all that the vaccines administered are safe, effective, and designed solely to prevent diseases, protect against illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and cervical cancer, thereby promoting healthier communities.
The Commissioner was joined by the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Chief Dr Williams Appah, State Coordinator of W.H.O, Dr. Marcus Oluwadare, Executive Secretary, BHIS, Dr. Zuoboemi Agadah, partners and staff.
Various messages in local dialects were made by partners, with a passionate appeal to all market men and women to support the initiative by allowing health workers to vaccinate their children.
Highlights of the activity were the Vaccination of eligible children and the traders dancing alongside the team, showing their support for Immunization
Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, BYS.
30/4/2026
