By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA) has flagged off Big Catch Up Routine Immunization Campaign at Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA) urging everyone to join Advocacy For Complete immunization of children.
Speaking during the flag off on Friday December 13, 2024 at the Mnch center Ogidi, the INLGA PHC Director, Mrs Chinwe Okeke said that the reason for Big Catch Up Routine Immunization Campaign which will run from December 13 to December 17, 2024 simultaneously in 9 LGAs in Anambra State was to ensure that children who were not immunized or who skipped some routine immunization would be immunized.
“Our health workers will be at our PHC facilities, markets, churches, schools. Caregivers or parents should bring out their children from 0 to 59 months who are not fully immunized or not immunized at all for immunization. It is free, safe and effective,” said Mrs Okeke.
According to Social Mobilization Officer Health Educator, INLGA, Mrs OkpalaNwankwo Chinememma Ukamaka the first phase of the Big Catch Up Routine Immunization will cover Penta 1&2 doses, PCV, two doses of IPV. Our health team which will go from House to house will use the three strategies of Identification, Enumeration and Vaccination.
“Also, if the caregiver cannot determine whether the child has been previously immunized, there is no fear of overdose, the vaccination will rather boost the child’s immune system than harm the child.
Earlier, during the One day Engagement meeting with Stakeholders on Big Catch Up Routine Immunization Campaign held on December 12, 2024 the Chairman INLGA Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Barr. Dr. Emeka Onuoha of Oraukwu urged all the Traditional Rulers in the LGA to motivate their community members to avail thei children for immunization for the interest and wellbeing of their people.
“Vaccination is a worldwide affair. We have discovered that most information peddled via the social media that they want to wipe out population of Africa are false and unfounded. We the traditional rulers have a big role to play so that fathers and mothers will embrace all kinds of vaccination without fear. If one child is infected, that child can infect others,” said Igwe Onuoha.
The duo of the WDC INLGA Chairman Orjiakor and the WDC Chairman Oraukwu, Chief Sir Patrick Ndubuaku in their seperate speeches pointed out the need to be given adequate notice for sensitization, publicity and advocacy meetings.
Ndubuaku who also received his stipend at the end of the one day Stakeholders Meeting urged the health authority to seriously review the issue of transport stipends given at the end of Stakeholders Meeting saying that although their work was voluntary but the cost of transportation from the various hinterlands to the headquarters has become outrageous in recent times.
