Anambra Govt To Commence Immunization campaign In 21 Local Government Areas

Anambra government has said campaign for immunization and vaccination against yellow fever and meningitis is set to kick off in 21 local government areas of the state, odogwublog.com reports.

The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (APHCDA), which is in collaboration with partner agencies, have said it would commence the implementation of the integrated mass vaccination (Meningitis A and Yellow Fever) in the 21 local government areas of the state.

The programme, is expected to start Friday, October 23, through Sunday, November 1, 2020. For Meningitis A vaccination, children between one to five (1-5) are eligible; while yellow fever vaccination is for all persons from 9-month to 44 years.

Speaking during the stakeholders/engagement meeting, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCA), Dr. Chioma Ezenyimulu, noted that the exercise offers a lifetime immunity to people, urging Anambrarians within the group range to avail themselves for the vaccination, even as she disclosed that the exercise was free.

She urged ndi Anambra to participate actively in the fight against yellow fever and meningitis stressing that the ignorance of these two health challenges have caused untold pains in most families.

Ezenyimulu further said the exercise would be done in all the public health facilities in the state, as well as in select churches, banks, schools, motor parks and so on by the mobile fixed team. She enjoined people to cease the opportunity of the exercise to curb the spread of such ailments.

Also, UNICEF Communication for Development Consultant, Mr. Adeyinka Adeosun urged participants to drive community acceptance and ownership of the exercise, as well as to help in dispelling the myth and rumour around vaccination amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

He also said that the immunization process will be done at all government owned health facilities and also strategic places like banks, motor parks, schools, churches, mosques etc. And he exclude 25th Oct and 1st of November as a day set aside for churches.

Meanwhile, the state head educator, ASPHCA, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina, who took participants through the objectives of the meeting even as she stressed on the importance of the vaccination.
She however reminded stakeholders of their roles in propagating the exercise to all and sundries and the measure that could be taken to halt the spread of the virus.

Flag off of the program is said to be on the 22nd of October while the program starts on 23rd of October Friday at 7am and ends by 2pm daily.

Stakeholders were encouraged to help dispel rumors, provides venues, help in Crisis Management and also entertain the Team workers which is optional.

Government institutions were also urged to provide security as to aid the smooth running of the program.