By Nnedinma Okeke
With the aim of renewing commitment towards immunization, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners has flagged-off the 2026 African Vaccination Week (AVW) themed: “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work”.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) Umuaku, Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) of the State on April 30. It had in attendance; State team, LGA team, Partners, Women Groups, Community Leaders and members which includes Parents and Caregivers.
The event, which is celebrated annually was also marked with a road walk, targeted toward preaching the gospel of immunization and ensuring the message gets to all corners at the grassroots. It was used to remind parents/caregivers the importance of immunization while getting their renewal and commitment towards immunization of their children.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Dr Obianuju Okoye represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi explained that immunization protects life. She urged for active community involvement/ participation in ensuring that children were vaccinated.
Dr Okoye noted that government at all levels, and Partners; NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, GAVI among many others were playing their roles to ensure children all over were protected from diseases.
She enlightened the people on PHC Leadership Challenge and the importance of LGAs active involvement, while thanking the Ihiala LGA Mayor and Uli community for the support given to the programme and its acceptance.
The Permanent Secretary, SMOH, Dr Obiageli Uchebo urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children were immunised, emphasized that immunization helps keep away diseases.
Dr Uchebo who was represented by the State Immunization Officer, Mrs Edith Onwuka, explained that the AVW gives opportunity for unvaccinated children to be vaccinated. She commended the Health workers for their zeal and commitment to service delivery while urging for communities continued support for the workers.
UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Consultant, Mr Victor James speaking on behalf of Partners, noted that vaccination was of high importance as prevention was better than cure. He explained that vaccines at healthcare facilities were tested, reliable and from trusted source with both NAFDAC and Batch numbers.
“Our vaccines are very safe, effective, and free of charge,” he said, while commending government for its efforts in supporting vaccination and ensuring of its availability. He urged people to always visit their healthcare facilities where they can receive care from qualified, and trained healthcare personnel.
The Mayor, Ihiala LGA, Engr. Charles Anayochukwu Orjiakor represented by the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Rowland Chukwudochie in his remarks, explained that the programme signifies protection of children; both those born and those still in the womb from diseases. He encouraged that children should be immunized as at when due.
He urged people to disregard false informations and untrue speculations on immunization/vaccines with the adage that “no man purposely builds a house and then sets it on fire.” He emphasized that vaccines were for protection of lives, to keep people in good health and help sustain generations.
The flag-off event featured health talks from Programme Officers, who educated and enlightened the people on Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Immunization, and Hygiene, among many others.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
