Nonye Soludo launches Measles-Rubella vaccination in Anambra, targeting 2.7m children with support from NPHCDA, WHO and UNICEF

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has flagged off the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, urging parents and caregivers to embrace immunisation as a proven shield against preventable diseases.

Also read: Imo Launches Statewide Measles–Rubella Vaccination

Dr Nonye Soludo, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluchi Ibezim, performed the ceremony at Iruzu Primary Health Centre, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, marking the start of state-wide vaccine administration for children aged nine months to 14 years.

The campaign is being implemented in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and other stakeholders.

Addressing residents, Oluchi Ibezim reassured parents that mild post-vaccination reactions such as low fever or slight swelling are temporary, stressing that the real danger lies in leaving children exposed to preventable infections.

She added that trained health workers, support systems and referral centres have been put in place to manage any concerns during the exercise.

Dr Nonye Soludo appealed to parents, local government authorities, schools and religious leaders to support the campaign, with a target of vaccinating over 98 per cent of eligible children across the state.

The Zonal Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Samuel Obasi, described measles and rubella as major threats to child health but expressed confidence in the state’s capacity to achieve high coverage.

Also speaking, the WHO Zonal Coordinator, Dr Chimuanya Igboekwu, noted that measles and rubella present similar symptoms, making combined vaccination essential.

He said partners are supporting the state to reach all 326 wards and an estimated 2.7 million children in markets, schools, worship centres and hard-to-reach communities.

Also read: UNICEF Bauchi Vaccination Drive Targets Zero-Dose Children

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Chisom Uchem, said monitoring and supervision mechanisms are in place to ensure effective mobilisation and maximum coverage.