AWKA/Nigeria: The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has described immunisation as a fundamental right of every child and a critical step toward guaranteeing healthy childhood development and long-term wellbeing.
Dr Soludo, who is also the Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made the assertion on Wednesday while flagging off the Measles–Rubella (MR) Vaccine Introduction Campaign in the state. The exercise was officially launched at the Iruzu Primary Health Centre, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
The campaign marks the commencement of a statewide vaccination programme targeting children aged nine months to 14 years, aimed at protecting them against measles and rubella, two highly contagious but preventable childhood diseases.
The vaccination exercise is being implemented in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other development partners.
Represented at the event by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluchi Ibezim, Dr Soludo warned that denying children access to vaccines exposes them to avoidable health risks and undermines their chances of living healthy and productive lives.She assured parents and caregivers of the safety and effectiveness of the MR vaccine, urging parents, school authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local government officials to actively support the campaign to ensure the state meets its target of vaccinating about 2.7 million children, representing 98 per cent coverage.
Dr Soludo further disclosed that trained health workers, supported by effective referral systems, had been deployed across Anambra State to ensure the vaccination exercise is conducted safely and efficiently.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director of the NPHCDA, Dr Samuel Obasi, described measles and rubella as persistent threats to child health, expressing confidence that Anambra State’s strong commitment to healthcare delivery would guarantee the success of the campaign.
The WHO Zonal Coordinator, Dr Chimuanya Igboekwu, explained that measles and rubella often present similar symptoms, making combined vaccination essential for effective protection. He assured that WHO and its partners were supporting efforts to reach children in all 326 wards of the state, including hard-to-reach communities.
In his remarks, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, acknowledged that minor reactions such as mild fever or swelling may occur after vaccination but stressed that such symptoms usually disappear quickly. He urged parents not to allow fear prevent children from receiving protection against preventable diseases.
Dr Obidike added that the vaccination exercise would run until February 14 and would be provided free of charge at health facilities, schools, markets, places of worship, and other public centres across the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Chisom Uchem, said monitoring and mobilisation strategies had been strengthened to ensure maximum coverage and successful implementation of the campaign across the state.
