The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have assured parents and caregivers of the safety and effectiveness of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The assurance was given on Friday during a media engagement organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with ASPHCDA and development partners, ahead of the introduction of the Measles–Rubella vaccination in the state.
The Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Mrs Chisom Uchem, said the vaccination exercise would run from Feb. 5 to Feb. 15, targeting children aged nine months to 14 years.
Uchem explained that the engagement with the media, religious and community leaders, as well as civil society organizations, was aimed at ensuring that accurate and reliable 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.
She allayed fears surrounding the vaccination, stressing that the vaccines were free, safe and effective.
“We were all vaccinated as children and we are alive today. We cannot give our children anything harmful because their health remains our priority,” Uchem said.
Also speaking, Mr Victor James, UNICEF Social and Behavior Change Consultant, said the health and wellbeing of children remained a top priority for the agency, describing them as the future of the state.
James said it should not be acceptable for any child to suffer from measles or rubella when there were effective means of prevention.
“The vaccine is safe for our children and has no adverse effects. We urge all stakeholders to ensure that no child is missed during the exercise.
“The media also have a critical role to play in promoting demand for the vaccine across Anambra through accurate reporting,” he said.
In her presentation, Dr Uju Chinenye, a paediatrician at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, warned that non-immunisation could lead to increased disease outbreaks and higher mortality rates.
She added that other consequences included long-term disabilities, economic losses and serious threats to herd immunity.
“Therefore, sustained vaccination of eligible children, supported by strong community and government commitment, remains 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 the hiring of boats, to reach riverine and hard-to-reach communities,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr Okonkwo Obunike of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained advocacy and support for Anambra State to ensure a successful vaccination campaign.
