The Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Chinedu Okafor, has urged community leaders to intensify grassroots sensitization ahead of the Measles-Rubella vaccination exercise
Okafor, who was represented by the Supervisor for Health, Mr Frank Ajazu, made the call at a sensitization meeting held at the Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCH), Amawbia.
He described measles and rubella as highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases, stressing the need for collective action to protect children.
Okafor emphasised the importance of community involvement to ensure the success of the vaccination exercise, which is scheduled to begin on Feb. 4 and run for 10 days.
“The South-East region is privileged to be part of this exercise. We in Anambra have a responsibility to ensure that no child in our communities is affected by these diseases,” he said.
He urged community leaders to take the vaccination message to the grassroots, counter misinformation, and ensure that accurate information reaches households.
Also speaking, the Social Mobilization Officer, Mrs Ifeoma Igbojekwe, highlighted the need to bridge communication gaps that often hinder vaccination campaigns at the community level.
She called on community leaders to provide correct information about the vaccines and actively dispel rumors.
“You are our eyes at the grassroots. We are counting on you to sensitize people across Awka South; that is your mandate,” she said.
In his remarks, a UNICEF consultant, Mr Onyebuchukwu Chukwuma, commended the community leaders for their commitment and assured them of UNICEF’s continued support to ensure the success of the exercise.
He said the campaign aims to achieve wide immunization coverage, protect children, and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in Awka South and beyond.
