The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have organized a one-day zonal media orientation for states within the UNICEF Enugu Field Office ahead of the 2024 Integrated Measles Campaign. The event, held at Dannic Hotel in Enugu, brought together media organizations from Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, and Kogi States to prepare them for their crucial role in the upcoming vaccination campaign.
The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen partnerships for a successful campaign, collectively define dissemination targets, unify key messages, and discuss strategies to counter rumors and disinformation.
Dr. Hilary Ozoh, UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Specialist, led discussions on the preparedness of each state, including target populations and vaccine allocations.
– **Anambra State** (21 LGAs, 330 wards) received 1,227,133 doses of vaccine, targeting 1,168,679 eligible children.
– **Benue State** (23 LGAs, 227 wards) received 1,282,340 doses, targeting 1,221,107 children.
– **Cross River State** (18 LGAs, 196 wards) received 801,000 doses, targeting 762,102 children.
– **Enugu State** (17 LGAs, 291 wards) received 853,000 doses, targeting 942,707 children.
– **Kogi State** (21 LGAs, 239 wards) received 801,800 doses, targeting 948,839 children.
State Health Educators (SHEs) also shared their efforts to ensure that no eligible child between nine to 59 months is missed. Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina, Anambra’s SHE, noted that the state has already conducted its Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) planning meeting and State Level Training of Trainers (STOT). She highlighted security challenges in areas like Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South, and Ogbaru LGAs, outlining plans to reach children in those regions.
The meeting concluded with discussions on the role of the media in promoting the campaign, emphasizing key messages and action plans to achieve the 95% coverage target during the October 2024 vaccination drive. Representatives from WHO and AFNET also participated, further supporting the initiative.
