ANAMBRA FLAGS-OFF SECOND ROUND 2025 IMMUNIZATION PLUS DAYS
By Nnedinma Okeke
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners has flagged-off the second round 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) in the State.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Isulo Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Orumba South Local Government Area (LGA).
Pharm Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA noted that the immunization campaign targets to vaccinate children zero to 59 months with Oral Polio Vaccine irrespective of previous immunization status.
The exercise commenced from June 28 to July 1, 2025 with vaccination teams in health facilities, also visiting houses, schools, churches, markets, motor parks, and everywhere children were found to vaccinate them.
“We are working to ensure that no child in Anambra is left out as we also aim to ensure the prevention of vaccine preventable diseases,” she said.
The Executive Secretary, then, expressed gratitude to the state government for its efforts and support in primary healthcare and its activities in state. Also, for creating enabling environment which enabled the flag-off to hold.
The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Representative, Dr Kenneth Iortyom noted that the flag-off was a forum for sensitization to the people such as; traditional rulers and other community leaders for them to be informed and key into the programme.
He said that while funds for Polio and Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) were dwindling and most support may be withdrawn, it was paramount that we get things right for this round of immunization.
“This is an opportunity for us to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated with no child missed,” he emphasized.
The State Health Educator (SHE), Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina while educating the people on the importance of Polio vaccination, also sensitized them on the Measles-Rubella vaccination which would commence in Anambra in the first quarter of 2026.
The Orumba South LGA Mayor, Mr Shedrack Azubuike represented by the LGA Secretary, Mr Maxwell Chinedu Iheacho urged the people to avail their children aged zero to 59 months the opportunity to receive the Polio vaccination.
He urged government at all levels in the LGA to aid spread good news of the immunization messages as it was for the protection and benefit of children.
The Isulo President General (PG), Mr Ebenezer Eze, urged for proper sensitization of immunization activities in all nooks and crannies for effective grassroots mobilization.
He noted that all PGs and Community Leaders be carried along completely, so as to be able to cascade the information down to the grassroots timely and effectively.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State