Anambra State Launches Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign Targeting Over 2.7 Million Children

Anambra — The ongoing measles–rubella vaccination campaign in Anambra State is set to reach more than 2.7 million children aged nine months to 14 years. The two-week exercise began on Wednesday and was officially flagged off by the wife of the Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, at the Izuzu Primary Health Care Centre in Dunukofia Local Government Area.

The campaign is being implemented in partnership with national and international agencies, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other key stakeholders.

A visit to vaccination centres across the state on Thursday showed a large turnout of mothers and children, with most attendees being infants. Mrs Soludo emphasized that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases, noting that mild post-vaccination reactions such as slight fever or swelling are temporary and far less harmful than the diseases themselves.

She reassured parents that health workers were well-trained and supported by referral centres to address any concerns. Mrs Soludo also urged local government chairmen, schools, religious leaders, and parents to ensure at least 98% of eligible children are vaccinated.

Dr Samuel Obasi, Zonal Director of NPHCDA, noted that measles and rubella remain major threats to child health in Nigeria but expressed confidence in Anambra State achieving high coverage due to strong government commitment. Dr Chimuanya Igboekwu, Zonal Coordinator for WHO, explained that vaccinating against both diseases simultaneously is necessary because they share similar symptoms.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, highlighted that robust monitoring and supervision systems are in place to ensure effective stakeholder mobilisation and maximum vaccination coverage across all 326 wards, including markets, schools, churches, places of worship, and hard-to-reach communities.