By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

 Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Saturday, flagged off integrated measles campaign at Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Okpuno, Awka South Council Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, the Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said that the programme was a symbolic event to show that the state was ready to commence active comprehensive vaccination to preventable diseases which may cause harm to the children.

According to him, “the vaccination is free in all the PHCs across the state. We are encouraging people, particularly, the nursing mothers not to be afraid of visiting any PHC centre nearest to them.

“The measles vaccine will be administered to children aged nine to 59 months respectively.

” Immunization officials have been deployed to all the PHC’s to ensure effectiveness and transparency.”

Commending the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and other health partners, the governor urged the Immunization Coordinator in the state to ensure that the vaccines are always available across the 21 LGAs health facilities.

 Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem also commended WHO, UNICEF and other health partners for their continuous support in ensuring quality health care services in the state.

She announced that the exercise is scheduled for 2nd-8th November, 2024, adding that the essence of the Integrated Measles Campaign is to stop the spread of the outbreak, save lives of young children and curtail the burden on the health care system in Anambra State.

WHO Coordinator,  South East Nigeria, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, expressed happiness that WHO has been part of the process in safeguarding and preserving the lives of Anambra residents.

Igboekwu said the measles campaign was a promotion of primary health, which is the foundation of a strong health system and the most viable pathway for health security and universal health coverage.

In their seperate remarks, the Chairman of Awka South Council Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, represented by the council health supervisor, Hon Frank Ajezu and the Councilor, Okpouno Ward, Hon Kenneth Okonkwo urged mothers/caregivers to ensure their wards partake in the vaccination exercise, adding that the people of the area will key fully into the programme.