By Nnedinma Okeke
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and other Partners has flagged-off the 2025 African Vaccination Week (AVW) themed; “Immunization for all is humanly possible”.
The event, aimed toward promoting and strengthening immunization was held at Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariat Complex.
It was used to stress the need and importance of immunization and receiving full doses of vaccination which is free, safe and effective.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem noted that the AVW held from April 24 to April 30 was focused on vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases.
She educated mothers/caregivers on healthy practices that would aid protect and keep safe from diseases. Such practices includes; good hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding for children zero to six months and healthy eating habits.
She expressed gratitude to WHO and other partners supporting the State in immunization activities, urging people to always visit PHCs for their health needs such as; vaccination, treatment of minor illness, Blood Pressure and sugar checks.
The WHO Surveillance Officer (SO), Dr Hope Igbonagwam, noted that as the AVW aims to commensurate vaccination activities, their Organisation remains committed to supporting the State, LGAs, Wards, and Communities in ensuring the health and well-being of every child.
Mrs Truth Ezeudoye, WHO Intergrated Disease Surveillance and Response Consultant noted that the 2025 AVW was intergrated with 2025 World Malaria Day Celebration.
She announced that Malaria vaccine has been approved for use in Nigeria and as such, would be given free of charge in Anambra State before the end of 2025.
The WHO Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ndubisi Oji emphasized on the need and importance of documentation/recording. He urged health workers to ensure proper documentation of children vaccinated in the state as it aids with government support.
The State Health Educator (SHE), Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina emphasizing that vaccination was crucial in protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, urged mothers not to default in their children’s immunization and to ensure they receive full doses of their vaccinations.
She informed mothers/caregivers on the upcoming National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign which was set to commence on May 3 in Anambra, urging them to utilise the opportunity to protect their children against Polio.
The Deputy Mayor, Njikoka LGA, Mrs Fidelia Uju Okafor, commended ASPHCDA and Partners for their teachings and enlightenment. She urged mothers/caregivers on attentiveness so as to take home knowledge gained for themselves, their children and Community’s well-being.
The event featured Road walk in the council area which was used to create public awareness on importance of vaccination.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
