Anambra Primary Health Agency Flags off Comprehensive Immunization Campaign in Idemili North

By Uzo Ugwunze

Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has flagged off major Immunization Campaign at Idemili North Local Government Area with a call to residents to take advantage of the exercise for complete immunization of their children.

Speaking during the flag off on Friday at Ogidi, the Council PHC Director, Mrs Chinwe Okeke said that the exercise tagged Big Catch Up Routine Immunization Campaign will run from13th to 17th December 2024 across nine local government areas in Anambra State.

She further disclosed that it was geared to ensure that children who were not immunized or who skipped some routine immunization would be immunized.

“Our health workers will be at our PHC facilities, markets, churches, schools. Caregivers or parents should bring out their children from 0 to 59 months who are not fully immunized or not immunized at all for immunization. It is free, safe and effective,” said Mrs Okeke.

According to Social Mobilization Officer Health Educator, INLGA, Mrs Chinememma Ukamaka Okpala, the first phase of the Immunization will cover Penta 1&2 doses, PCV, two doses of IPV.

She further said that health workers would go from house to house for Identification, Enumeration and Vaccination.

“If the caregiver cannot determine whether the child has been previously immunized, there is no fear of overdose, the vaccination will rather boost the child’s immune system than harm the child.

Earlier, during an engagement meeting with stakeholders ahead of the exercise, the Chairman of Idemili North Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Oraukwu, HRM Igwe Barr. Dr. Emeka Onuoha, called for support of community leaders.

He appealed to traditional rulers to mobilize their community members, especially children for the immunization.

“Vaccination is a worldwide affair. We have discovered that most information peddled via the social media that they want to wipe out population of Africa are false and unfounded. We the traditional rulers have a big role to play so that fathers and mothers will embrace all kinds of vaccination without fear. If one child is infected, that child can infect others,” said Igwe Onuoha.