The Government of Anambra State has begun Integrated Measles Campaign across the 21 local government areas of the state with a reaffirmation that all sorts of immunization is free of charge.
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo stated this while performing the flag off of the Integrated Measles Campaign over the weekend at Okpuno Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Awka South council area of the state.
Declaring the event open, Governor Soludo said it is not a political promise that every immunization in the state is free of charge, hence the need to expose anybody that wants to sabotage the Government’s free vaccination efforts.
“We want to ensure that immunization is truly free in the state. Any barrier that is preventing our people from getting this vaccine must be exposed.
“Contacts must be pasted on every PHC for patients to call in event they are asked to pay money or not satisfied in the services recieved. It is part of our feedback mechanism.
“If you are asked to pay any dime, call the supervisory councillor on health of the LGA, Execurive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Development Agency or Commissioner for Health.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, Professor Soludo noted that programme symbolically demonstrates the state’s readiness to commence active, comprehensive vaccination against preventable diseases that may harm children.
According to him, the Health Ministry will ensure that Anambra children recieve this immunization alongside Human Papiloma Virus across 326 PHCs in the state at no cost to the patient.
To this effect, according to the Governor, the Health Commissioner will have a strategic meeting with all the 21 supervisory councillors for health.
He commended the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners for their commitment towards ensuring that all health campaigns in the state succeed.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem applauded WHO, UNICEF, and other health partners for their support in ensuring quality healthcare services in the state, announcing that the exercise is scheduled for November 2nd to 8th, 2024.
She however urged nursing mothers to visit their nearest PHC for the measles vaccine that will be administered to children aged nine to 59 months.
In his goodwill message, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, Zonal Coordinator WHO who spoke on behalf of all development partners, appreciated Okpuno community in its participation for healthcare development of the area.
He noted that the Measles Campaign is the pathway for health security and Universal Health Coverage geared towards achieving Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Organisation of good health and well-being.
By Ogemdi Ozoemenam, Awka
