Measles: Anambra aims to immunize 1.1 million children by 2024

Anambra State is gearing up to protect over 1.1 million children through the 2024 integrated Measles Campaign, with the goal of reducing the burden of the disease among young populations.

During a recent Zonal Meeting organized by the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), and the National Orientation Agency in Enugu, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, State Health Educator at the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, shared that the campaign aims to vaccinate children in 330 wards across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

An impressive 1,227,113 doses of the measles vaccine have been secured for the initiative. Scheduled to run from October 12 to October 18, the campaign will be conducted in various health facilities, designated fixed and mobile posts in communities, churches, schools, and markets.

“Anambra is facing challenges in reaching children in security-compromised areas like Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and Ogbaru, which will require innovative strategies for efficient vaccination coverage.”

To ensure the success of the campaign and meet the target of vaccinating 1,168,679 children, local indigenes from these security-compromised regions will be enlisted to support the vaccination efforts.

Dr. Hilary Ozoh, a social and behaviour change specialist at UNICEF, emphasized that media engagement is crucial in achieving the national goal of 95% coverage during the vaccination campaign.

He encouraged journalists to report on the campaign from an informative standpoint, using data-based stories to educate and enlighten the public on the importance of measles vaccination.

With preparations underway, Anambra State is committed to safeguarding the health of its children and