By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has assured parents and caregivers of the safety and effectiveness of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination scheduled to commence on Feb. 5 in the state.
The Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Mrs Chisom Uchem, gave the assurance at a media engagement organised by the State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with ASPHCDA and partners, ahead of the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine.
She noted that the vaccination exercise would run from Feb. 5 to Feb. 15, targeting children between the ages of nine months to 14 years and will be administered in all the health facilities across the 330 health wards in the state.
It will also be administered at temporary fixed posts such as churches, schools and markets.
Pharm Uchem said the engagement with the media, religious and community leaders as well as civil society organisations was to ensure accurate information about the vaccination reached all parts of the state.
According to her, the exercise would be carried out strictly by trained and licensed health practitioners and allayed fears surrounding the vaccination, stressing that the vaccines were free, safe and effective.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike announced that the vaccination are for children between the aged 0 to 14 years. “Vaccination will continue after this campaign at our various Healthcare facilities across the state.”
He hinted that MEASLES and RUBELLA are deadly diseases, which can cause miscarriages in pregnant women, brain damage, blindness and death. “The vaccines are safe, effective and paid for by the Government. Leave no child aged 0 to 14 years behind.”
Also speaking, Mr Victor James, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Consultant, said the health and well-being of children remained a top priority for the agency, describing them as the future of the state.
“It should not be heard that any child is affected by Measles or Rubella when we have the knowledge and means to prevent such diseases. The vaccine is safe for our children with no adverse effects”,
“We urge stakeholders to ensure that no child was missed during the exercise. The Media should also promote the demand for the vaccine in Anambra through their reports.”
Dr Uju Chinenye, a Paediatrician at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, said non-immunisation could lead to increased disease outbreaks and higher mortality rates.
She added that other consequences include long-term disabilities, economic losses and serious threats to herd immunity.
“Therefore, sustained vaccination of eligible children, alongside strong community and government commitment, remained the way forward,” she said.
The State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, assured that health teams would visit healthcare facilities, churches, schools and mosques to ensure comprehensive and coordinated coverage.
“We will not wait for mothers to bring their children to primary healthcare centres. Our teams will go to markets, motor parks, churches, schools and other places where children gather.
“We have also made arrangements, including hiring boats, to reach riverine and hard-to-reach communities,” she said.
