Anambra Residents Urged to Get Full Doses as 2025 African Vaccination Week kicks off

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), State Ministry of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and other Partners has flagged-off the 2025 African Vaccination Week (AVW).

The event held at Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariat Complex with the theme, “Immunization for all is humanly possible” was aimed at promoting and strengthening immunization.

Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem noted that the AVW scheduled from April 24 to 30 was focused on vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases.

She said the exercise was opportunity to stress the importance of immunization and receiving full doses of vaccination which is free, safe and effective.

She educated mothers/caregivers on healthy practices that would aid protect and keep safe from diseases.

“Such practices includes; good hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding for children zero to six months and healthy eating habits,” she said.

Expressing gratitude to WHO and other partners supporting the State in immunization activities, Uchem advised people to always visit PHCs for their health needs such as vaccination, treatment of minor illness, Blood Pressure and sugar checks.

WHO Surveillance Officer (SO), Dr Hope Igbonagwam restated her organisation’s commitment to supporting the State up to the grassroots in ensuring the health and well-being of every child.

“As the AVW aims to commensurate vaccination activities, WHO remains committed to supporting the State, LGAs, Wards and Communities in ensuring the health and well-being of every child for a healthy life,” he added.

Mrs Truth Ezeudoye, WHO Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Consultant noted that the 2025 AVW was integrated with 2025 World Malaria Day Celebration.

She announced that Malaria vaccine has been approved for use in Nigeria and as such, would be given free of charge in Anambra State before the end of 2025.

WHO Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ndubisi Oji emphasized the importance of documentation/recording.

He urged health workers to ensure proper documentation of children vaccinated in the State as it aids with Government support.

State Health Educator (SHE), Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina described vaccination as crucial in protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

She urged mothers not to default in their children’s immunization and to ensure they receive full doses of their vaccinations.

She informed mothers/caregivers on the upcoming National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign to commence on May 3 in Anambra, urging them to utilise the opportunity to protect their children against Polio.

Deputy Mayor, Njikoka LGA, Mrs Fidelia Uju Okafor commended ASPHCDA and Partners for their teachings and enlightenment.

She urged mothers/caregivers on attentiveness so as to take home knowledge gained for themselves, their children and Community’s well-being.

The event featured Road walk in the council area targeted at public awareness campaign on importance of vaccination.