Anambra Enlists LG Chairmen In Enforcing Measles Vaccination

The Anambra State commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, has solicited the support of chairmen of local governments for the success of the measles-rubella immunisation campaign in schools in the state.

Obidike made the call on Saturday in Awka at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with the 21 LG chairmen ahead of the measles-rubella vaccine campaign scheduled to hold from Feb. 4 to Feb. 15 in the state.

He said that the cooperation of schools was critical to ensuring that all eligible children aged nine months to 14 years were reached and protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“The state government is determined to ensure that no eligible child is endangered by measles or rubella due to gaps in access during the campaign,” Obidike said.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the council chairmen for their contributions toward curtailing disease outbreaks in their respective areas.

He urged them to sustain their partnership in primary healthcare activities to improve routine immunisation coverage across the state.

“We call for the total commitment of the LG chairmen to the campaign and you can do this by  inaugurating immunisation task forces and participate in daily evening review meetings during the exercise to enhance its success,” Obidike said.

Also, the executive secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Mrs Chisom Uchem, said that some LGAs were recording low immunisation coverage.

Uchem said that the active involvement of council chairmen was crucial to reversing the trend. (NAN)