By Nnedinma Okeke
In a bid to ensure eligible children were not endangered by vaccine preventable diseases, Dr Afam Obidike, Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Health, has urged Local Government Area (LGA) Mayors to compel schools’ cooperation.
According to him, this was to ensure they open their doors to Measles-Rubella vaccination teams during the immunization campaign to ensure that all eligible children of 9 months to 14 years in the state were immunised and protected from the disease.
Dr Obidike made the appeal at Cardinal Hotel, Awka during the Stakeholders engagement meeting with the Anambra State 21 LGA Mayors for upcoming Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction campaign set to commence from February 4 to 15 across all LGAs of the State.
He expressed gratitude to the Mayors for their participation in helping to curtail disease outbreaks in their jurisdictions, whilst urging them on continuous participation and partnership in Primary Healthcare activities which was key to improving immunization coverage across the state.
The commissioner pleaded for the LGA Mayors total commitment in the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign. He urged them on inaugurating task force on immunization, participating in the evening review meetings of their respective LGA during the campaign as it would aid boost its success across the state.
The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Anambra Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem while noting that some LGAs were not performing well in immunization coverage, explained that the Mayors have important roles to play to effect change and enhance improvement.
She encouraged the Mayors to conduct Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign flag-off ceremonies in their respective LGA as it would aid create awareness within the localities and drive home the Measles-Rubella campaign message at the grassroots.
The Representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Nnamdi Okoye, urged the LGA Mayors to be Ambassadors and aid take ownership of the campaign to ensure it is effectively driven at the grassroots so as to make impact.
UNICEF Strategic and Behavioural Change (SBC) Consultant, Mr Victor James explained that success of the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign needs commitment of the Mayors as their presence would give trust and confidence, and issues to arise from communities can easily be resolved with their help.
The Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia LGA, HRM, Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno, emphasized that working as a team in the upcoming Measles-Rubella campaign would enable the state to achieve its target coverage.
Igwe Ilouno, who is also a Public Health Physician noted that the essence of immunization was to ensure protection of children’s lives and future as disease prevention was better than its cure. He assured support to PHC activities while commending the State Healthcare team.
The Mayor, Aguata LGA, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike assured of the LGA Mayors monitoring, visibility and coordination of Primary Healthcare activities in their localities. He promised that they would work more to improve immunization coverage with the intention of having no LGA on Red in its immunization coverage dashboard.
The meeting had in attendance; Permanent Secretary, SMOH, Pharm Obiageli Uchebo, State Immunization Officer (SIO), Mrs Edith Onwuka, State Health Educator (SHE), Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, Chairman Supervisors Chancellor of Health, Dr Nkem Okeke, Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Chinenye Uju, Media team, Supporting Partners; NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, IVAC, CHAI, and the 21 LGA Mayors, others.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
