By Nnedinma Okeke
The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and development partners, has intensified preparations to reach children who have never received routine vaccines and those who have missed some recommended doses.
The move followed a one-day planning meeting held on Oct. 20, at the ASPHCDA office complex in Awka, to coordinate targeted Routine Immunisation (RI) Intensification activities in eight Local Government Areas(LGA) identified as having significant numbers of zero dose and under immunised children.
The participating LGAs are Aguata, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Idemili North, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Ogbaru and Orumba South.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Dr. Chizoba Prisca Ezeasor, described the presence of zero dose and under immunised children as a public health concern, stressing that every child deserves protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
“We must intensify our efforts to identify these children, understand the barriers preventing them from accessing immunisation services, and develop practical strategies to reach them,” she said.
Dr. Ezeasor explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for state and LGA teams to review immunisation data, identify underserved communities and develop practical interventions to improve vaccine coverage.
She urged the participating LGAs to provide accurate data, identify service delivery gaps and adopt evidence based approaches to reaching eligible children, emphasising the need to complement facility based immunisation with community outreach, engagement with local leaders and efforts to address misconceptions about vaccines.
The Executive Secretary called on participants to translate the discussions into actionable plans with clear priorities and responsibilities, appreciating the development partners and health teams for their continued support in strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the state.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Public Health Officer, Mrs. Uju Orjiagu, noted that reaching zero dose and unimmunised children remained essential to improving immunisation coverage in Anambra State, expressing optimism that the meeting would help establish effective strategies for the intensification exercise.
Similarly, UNICEF’s Vaccine, Security and Logistics Consultant in Anambra State, Mr. Stanley Osum, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the state, stressing the importance of implementing the agreed plans effectively through sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
The Anambra State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mr. Obioha Agbakwuru, said identifying LGAs with significant numbers of zero dose children was an important step towards addressing immunisation gaps, urging all stakeholders to remain committed to reaching more children with life saving vaccines.
The meeting also featured technical presentations by the State Immunisation Officer, Mrs. Edith Onwuka, and the WHO representative, Mr. Valentine Obiajulu, among others.
The planned intensification exercise is expected to strengthen coordination, improve the use of immunisation data and expand access to vaccines in underserved communities, helping protect more children against preventable diseases and improve primary healthcare outcomes across Anambra State.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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