The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Anambra State Government, has assured parents and caregivers of the safety and effectiveness of the measles–rubella (MR) vaccination scheduled to be introduced in the state.
The assurance was given by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with UNICEF, during a media parley held on Friday.
The event was organised by the State Ministry of Health alongside ASPHCDA and other partners, ahead of the statewide rollout of the measles–rubella vaccine.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Mrs Chisom Uchem, disclosed that the vaccination exercise would take place from February 5 to February 15, targeting children between the ages of nine months and 14 years.
Mrs Uchem explained that the engagement with media professionals, religious and community leaders, as well as civil society organisations, was aimed at ensuring that accurate, timely, and factual information about the vaccination campaign reached every part of the state.
She said that the exercise would be conducted strictly by trained and licensed health practitioners, in line with national and international health standards.
Addressing concerns and misconceptions surrounding the vaccination, Mrs Uchem reassured parents that the vaccines were free, safe, and highly effective.
“We were all vaccinated as children and we are alive today. We cannot give our children anything harmful because their health and well-being remain our top priority,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Victor James, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Consultant, reiterated that the health and well-being of children remain central to the agency’s mission, describing children as the future of Anambra State.
He noted that preventable diseases such as measles and rubella should no longer pose a threat where adequate knowledge and proven preventive measures exist.
“It should not be heard that any child is affected by measles or rubella when we have the knowledge and means to prevent these diseases. The vaccine is safe for our children and has no adverse effects. We therefore urge all stakeholders to ensure that no child is missed during the exercise,” Mr James said.
He further called on the media to play an active role in promoting awareness and generating demand for the vaccine across the state.
In her presentation, a paediatrician, Dr Uju Chinenye, warned that failure to immunise eligible children could result in increased disease outbreaks and higher mortality rates.
According to her, non-immunisation may also lead to long-term disabilities, economic losses for families and communities, and serious threats to herd immunity.
“Therefore, sustained vaccination of eligible children, supported by strong community participation and firm government commitment, remains the most effective way forward,” she said.
Similarly, the State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, assured residents that health teams would be deployed to healthcare facilities, churches, schools, and mosques to guarantee comprehensive and well-coordinated coverage throughout the vaccination period.
In her remarks, Mrs Okonkwo Obunike of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuous advocacy, technical support, and collaboration with Anambra State to ensure the success of the measles–rubella vaccination campaign.
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