By Chukwuemeka Orji
As preparations peak for the second round of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign, Ward Development Chairmen (WDCs) across Awka South Local Government Area have been charged to step up grassroots mobilization and community sensitization efforts.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Centre in Amawbia, Mrs. Ifeoma Igbojekwe, the Social Mobilization Officer (SMO), stressed the critical role of WDCs in ensuring the success of the upcoming vaccination exercise, noting that lessons from past rounds revealed that stronger collaboration with ward chairmen helped improve campaign outcomes.
“We are about to commence the second round of NIPDs on the 28th of this month. It is imperative that you begin mobilizing and sensitizing residents, especially parents without delay. We trust that information has been disseminated to churches and schools in your wards. Your feedback and updates are essential to guide vaccinators as they move through the communities.”
Mrs. Igbojekwe emphasized that with Awka serving as a focal point for the campaign, all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Nwanneka Adiniyi, State Technical Facilitor Officer (STFO) for NIPDs Programme, called for synergy and renewed partnership among health workers, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.
“This campaign is about safeguarding the lives of our children, who remain vulnerable to the virus. We must approach this task with urgency and commitment. The security agencies have been briefed and are on standby, so you have nothing to fear, go out confidently into your communities.”
The second round of the NIPDs campaign is scheduled to kick off across all wards in Awka South on June 28.
Chukwuemeka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
