ELIGIBLE CHILDREN TO RECEIVE MEASLES VACCINATION AS ANAMBRA FLAGS-OFF CAMPAIGN
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 Intergrated Measles vaccination campaign in the State.
The flag-off ceremony held at Okpuno Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) marked the commencement of Measles vaccination in the State which would kick start from November 6 to 12, 2024.
The Commissioner, SMOH, Dr Afam Obidike during his remarks at the flag-off ceremony urged Ndi Anambra and people living in the state to ensure that their eligible children of nine to 59 months were vaccinated, thus, protected from the Measles disease.
He noted that aside the opportunity which the campaign gives, immunization services were always available at health facilities across the State and were given free of charge.
Dr. Obidike urged people not to be scared of any Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) as WHO and other partners had aided in developing adverse effects management with healthcare workers trained for the purpose.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem emphasized that immunization services, ante-natal care and delivery services were free in government health facilities. She urged people to always make a report whenever they were charged for any of the aforementioned services.
She noted that vaccines were key in the fight against preventable diseases and urged mothers/caregivers to utilise the campaign opportunity and ensure that their children aged nine to 59 months were vaccinated with the Measles vaccine.
The WHO South East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, congratulated the government and people of the state for their commitment toward the flag-off ceremony and commencement of the vaccination exercise in the state.
“The flag-off exercise is the beginning of a week long activity in searching for eligible children to vaccinate them with not just Measles vaccine, but also other Routine Immunization (RI) vaccines.
He, on behalf of WHO and other supporting Partners, expressed gratitude to the Anambra Health Commissioner, Executive Secretary and ASPHCDA team for the extra ordinary efforts in enabling the flag-off to hold which made way for the commencement of vaccination exercise in the State.
“The Measles campaign is the promotion of primary healthcare which is the foundation of a strong health system and the most viable partway for health security and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is a pathway to achieve the sustainable development goals.
“Our witness here today, is a tripartite partnership between the community, the Government, and the development Partners.
“We commit that WHO and her sister Partners: UNICEF, NPHCDA, AFENET, and CHAI would continue to support the Government of Anambra State in immunization, primary healthcare, and other health systems strengthening to attain the highest level of health in the State,” Dr Igboekwu said.
The NPHCDA Anambra State Coordinator, Mr Obioha Agbakwuru represented by NPHCDA ZTO, Mr Mcdonald Ugwu noted that the event which marks a significant milestone in collective efforts toward protection of children/communities, is commitment toward improving health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
He commended the ASPHCDA, SMOH and supporting partners for their tireless efforts in making the campaign a reality whilst urging parents/caregivers to ensure their children/wards were vaccinated as together Anambra State and Nigeria at large can be made measles-free.
The event featured health talks and sensitization from the State Health Educator (SHE)- Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, State Immunization Officer (SIO)- Mrs Edith Onwuka and the Breastfeeding Coordinator- Mrs Ngozi Onoh.
In attendance at the event includes: the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi, WHO Anambra State Coordinator, Dr Bonos Mohammed, ASPHCDA team, Representatives of NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, and AFENET.
Also, the Traditional Ruler of Okpuno Community, Igwe Engr Sunday I Okafor, and Mayor Awka South LGA, Prince Chinedu Okafor represented by Supervisory Councillor for Health, Awka South LGA, Mr Frank Ajezu.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State