The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has responded to remarks made by the state governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, regarding low immunisation rates in the state. Contrary to her statement, Dr. Obidike clarified that Anambra has recorded a 15 percent increase in childhood immunisation uptake between 2022 and 2024 and has surpassed the national benchmark for key vaccines.
Dr. Obidike explained that the state currently exceeds the national target of 90 percent for three critical antigens: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for tuberculosis (113 percent), measles (95 percent), and yellow fever (94 percent). He emphasized that Anambra State does not have a general issue of low immunisation uptake and remains committed to achieving 100 percent coverage.
The commissioner also addressed the specific vaccine hesitancy highlighted by Dr. Soludo, noting that her reference to low immunisation uptake pertained specifically to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has faced hesitancy across the country. He acknowledged that this comment was taken out of context, as the state has worked diligently to increase HPV vaccination rates through targeted awareness campaigns.
“We initially faced resistance to the HPV vaccine due to ignorance, but through extensive education efforts, more parents began accepting the vaccine for their girls,” Obidike said. He added that Anambra’s current near-zero under-five and maternal mortality rates are a testament to the state’s healthcare efforts, which include free antenatal and cesarean services for pregnant women.
Obidike further credited the increase in immunisation uptake to improved public sensitisation, house-to-house education campaigns, and the rise in hospital deliveries, which ensure immediate access to vaccines. The commissioner also highlighted the state’s success in managing and containing childhood diseases like measles, which previously saw outbreaks before the current administration’s proactive approach.
He assured that Anambra’s 326 Primary Healthcare Centres are undergoing renovation to better serve communities and that continued outreach efforts have prevented outbreaks of diseases like cholera, which have affected other regions this year.
Dr. Obidike concluded by affirming the state’s ongoing commitment to achieving full immunisation coverage and safeguarding public health through collaborative efforts and investments in healthcare infrastructure.
