ASPHCDA, UNICEF Assure Children’s Safety as Measles-Rubella Vaccination Begin in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have assured parents and caregivers of safe vaccination of their children ahead of measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the state.

The assurance came during media engagement meeting by State Ministry of Health in collaboration with ASPHCDA and Partners for upcoming Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction.

Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Pharm. Chisom Uchem said the vaccination which would run from February 5 to 15, 2026 would involve children from 9 months to 14 years.

She said the invitation was extended to the media and other relevant stakeholders to ensure accurate information and necessary knowledge about the vaccination reached nooks and cranny of the state.

According to her, the exercise which is the second stream, phase two would be administered by trained and licensed health practitioners.

While allaying fears of perceived dangers associated with the vaccination, Uchem stressed that the vaccines are not just free but safe effective.

She said, “We all were vaccinated during our childhood days and we’re still alive till today. Obviously, we can’t give our children what’s not good for them because their health is our primary concern.

“Besides, it’s only those who are alive that can go to school and do other businesses.

“Meanwhile, we’ve also intensified advocacy, especially to religious and traditional leaders as well as schools and markets’ authorities.

“But we’re not relenting until the exercise is over. Some other partners have also offered to partner with us in the advocacy.

“We won’t wait for mothers to bring their babies to the PHCs. We’ll go after them, in the markets, parks, churches, schools and other places children gather.

“We’ve also hired boats for those in the riverine and hard-to-reach areas.”

Also speaking, Social and Behavior Change consultant, UNICEF, Victor James said health and wellness of citizen, especially the children has remained priority of the agency being the future of the state.

He expressed satisfaction with number of stakeholders at the meeting, describing their presence as indication of importance they accord to the exercise.

“It should not be heard that any child is lost to measles and rubella as God has given us wisdom to avert certain diseases, especially the avoidable and preventable ones,” he added.

James urged stakeholders to ensure no child was omitted during the entire campaign/exercise.

An immunization champion, Uju Chinenye, while delivering lecture on implications dangers of lack of immunization, listed some of the dangers as increased risk of disease outbreaks and complications, higher mortality rates, long term disabilities, economic consequences and threat to herd immunity.

According to her, the way forward include vaccination of all eligible individuals as well as community and government commitment.

State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina assured that health teams would visit healthcare centres, churches, schools and mosques during the vaccination for comprehensive and coordinated coverage.

Pharmacist Okonkwo Obunike, from National Primary Health Care Development Agency assured her organization’s continued advocacy on access to healthcare and support to the state in its efforts to achieve adequate and accessible healthcare system.

Also in attendance was traditional ruler of Ukwalla Community in Anambra West Local Government Area, Igwe Joseph Ajodo.