By Nnedinma Okeke :
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021 significantly impacted global immunization coverage, resulting in setback with decline in coverage leading to an almost 40 percent rise in the number of zero-dose/unvaccinated children globally.
This signifies a significant setback for immunization efforts and poses a global emergency for child survival.
In view of this, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners are set to commence the Big Catch Up (BCU) campaign in Anambra State.
The Big Catch Up campaign, a global initiative launched by Immunization Agenda 2030 partners in April 2023 was to close immunity gaps caused by backsliding of immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting recovery and acceleration of progress.
It is needed to protect children from morbidity, disability and mortality caused by Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs), to interrupt ongoing protracted VPD outbreaks, and to build population immunity.
Also, to realize goal/vision for Vaccine preventable disease control, elimination/eradication, to ensure the right of the child to get vaccine, and to save costs of household from medical treatment.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem in the BCU planning meeting held at ASPHCDA office complex noted that the campaign aligns with the global mandate of leaving no child behind from accessing life-saving interventions including immunization and other PHC services.
Pharm Uchem represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi, explained that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization program, resulting in multiple outbreaks of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) thereby exacerbating the prevalence of Zero Dose children.
“It is therefore essential for the State and Nigeria at large to take proactive measures to reach zero dose and underimmunized children by intensifying current strategies and implementing catch-up initiatives.
“The Big Catch Up utilizes scientifically validated, programmatically suitable and globally recognized methods to prioritize zero dose and under-immunized children in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
“These LGAs are: Aguata, Ihiala, Orumba south, Orumba North, Idemili North, Idemili south, Anaocha, Ayamelum, and Nnewi south LGAs respectively,” She said.
The State Immunization Officer, ASPHCDA, Mrs Edith Onwuka coordinating the meeting noted objectives of the BCU to include: catching up with at least 65% of children missed during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019 to 2022 through dedicated outreach, mobile services, and other interventions.
Also, to restore full range of immunization services whilst developing and implementing immunization programmes that prioritizes coverage and equity by addressing identified gender barriers and social determinants.
Mrs Onwuka retirates that with the Big Catch Up campaign, Anambra aims to reduce the zero dose tendency in the nine LGAs according to the national mandate.
She noted that parents/caregivers of children aged one to five years who missed out on vaccination during or after the COVID-19 pandemic has the opportunity to vaccinate their children which is free of charge.
“For this exercise which will last for six days, teams would be visiting houses, schools, churches, health facilities and everywhere children are found to vaccinate with Penta, PCV, and Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV),” the Immunization Officer explained.
The meeting had in attendance State Team, State Technical Facilitators and Partners to include: NPHCDA, UNICEF and WHO.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State