Anambra State is set to vaccinate more than 1.1 million children during its 2024 integrated measles campaign, aiming to curb the spread of the disease among young populations.
This was disclosed by the State Health Educator at the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina, during a zonal meeting held in Enugu, organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Mrs. Onwuegbuzina revealed that 1,227,113 doses of the measles vaccine have been secured to cover children across the state’s 326 wards in all 21 local government areas. The campaign is scheduled to take place from October 12th to 18th, 2024, and will be conducted in health facilities, mobile clinics, and community locations such as schools, churches, and markets.
UNICEF’s social behavioral change specialist, Dr. Hillary Ozoh, highlighted the critical role of media in achieving the national vaccination coverage target of 95%. He urged journalists to report on the campaign using data-driven stories to increase public awareness of the importance of measles vaccination.
Mrs. Nneka Ekwunife, Director of Programmes at Anambra Broadcasting Service, commended UNICEF and NOA for their collaboration with the media, emphasizing that the campaign’s success depends on widespread awareness to ensure no child is left unprotected.
