Chinedum Treasure
Anambra state government has urged heads of schools and other stakeholders in the education sector to get prepared to assist in educating their pupils and parents ahead of the 2024 Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign implementation in the state.
Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharm Chisom Uchem made the call on Tuesday at the Education Stakeholders Engagement meeting organised by the Agency in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF and other partners.
Uchem, represented by Director of Disease Control and Prevention in the Agency, Dr. Nnamdi Uliagbafusi said the sensitization was necessary to ensure a hitch-free and seamless exercise.
He identified educational institutions as critical elements in the immunisation campaign, as children who are the primary targets are found in such locations.
He said, “We brought Education Secretaries and schools owners and their representatives to educate them on what are expected of them because the bulk of what we’re doing is in schools.
“We need their assistance in mobilizing headteachers, parents and other stakeholders, as well as responding to their questions, fears and defend other issues that may arise.
“We however appeal to them to be civil, friendly and jovial in their approach. They should eschew hostility and abusive words but be ready to accommodate their feelings.”
State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mr. Obioha Agbakwuru emphasized the place of education stakeholders in guaranteeing a successful Immunisation exercise.
“Education stakeholders occupies critical positions in ensuring that the supplemental Immunisation activities yields its desired result,” he said.
Also speaking, State Health Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbisi said the meeting was targeted at sensitizing stakeholders on best ways to deliver successful Immunisation campaign and implementation.
She assured that the exercise would also capture those who missed the previous edition.
A Consultant with UNICEF, Uju Eze described the meeting as demand creating, aimed at agreeing on strategies to deploy to mobilize parents and caregivers to reassure them of the effectiveness of the vaccines.
She stressed the need for the participants to own the programme so as to be able to convince the beneficiaries on its importance and benefits.
“You can only convince parents and caregivers of the benefits of the vaccines when you believe in its potency. We’re going to work collectively as stakeholders to overcome issues of resistance and non-compliance,” she added.
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