By Nnedinma Okeke
The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign implementing Partners: UNICEF and Corona Management Systems (CMS) has paid an advocacy visit to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) ahead of the MR campaign in Anambra State.
The visit discussions was centered on collaboration with the State team in areas of Cold Chain management and Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) activities.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem assured the visiting team of the Agency’s support and cooperation as all set goals was to ensure success of the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Anambra.
She noted that preparations were on top gear and all hands on deck to ensure that all eligible children were vaccinated with no child missed in the forthcoming February 2026 Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in the State.
Earlier, the UNICEF Zonal Cold Chain Manager, Dr Charles Abel enumerated purpose of the visit to include: Cold Chain Equipment assessment, Vaccine distribution oversight, Campaign planning support, DRIVE initiative follow-up, and Supportive Supervision to the State Immunization team.
He explained that it was important to comprehensively assess the operational status of the Walk-In Cold Room (WICR), to verify the quantity and condition of vaccines received, to supervise and ensure efficient distribution of vaccines to LGAs, and to provide technical support for the MR planning and preparatory activities.
The State Coordinator, Corona Management Systems (CMS), Mr Vincent Okechukwu noted that their organisation was positioning to support the State in issues of vaccine resistance with direct targets to the community while leveraging on existing platforms/structures in the State, LGA and Ward levels.
“To achieve this, we will be conducting various activities such as: Orientation of Religious leaders, Local Influencer, Town announcers, Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs), and Community Leaders at the ward and LGA levels. Our goal is to ensure every household gets information about the upcoming Measles-Rubella campaign,” he explained.
In attendance during the visit includes: the State Immunization Officer (SIO)- Mrs Edith Onwuka, UNICEF Vaccine Security and Logistics (VSL) Consultant- Mr Stanley Osum, UNICEF Strategic Behavioral Change (SBC) Health Consultant- Mr Victor James, IVAC State Technical Assistant (STA)- Mr Kingsantus Asogwa, and CMS Representative- Mr Ikechukwu Onuko.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
