The government of Anambra and Enugu states, Nigeria, is targeting measles vaccination for over 1 million children and 947,707 children, respectively.
Nigeria is among the top ten countries in the world with children who haven’t received a single dose of measles vaccine, creating the tending for an outbreak.
Vaccination in Anambra
Anambra State is gearing up for its 2024 integrated Measles Campaign, targeting 1.1 million children to protect them from the disease and reduce its burden. According to Uju Onwuegbuzina, State Health Educator, the campaign will run from October 12 to 18 in all health facilities, schools, churches, and markets.
Onwuegbuzina mentioned that security-compromised areas like Ihiala and Nnewi South might pose challenges, but local residents will be enlisted to help. She emphasized the importance of vaccinating all children, urging parents and caregivers to participate.
Hilary Ozoh, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Specialist noted that the campaign targets children aged 9-59 months, regardless of previous vaccination history. He stressed the crucial role of media in achieving 95% coverage, encouraging data-driven stories to educate Nigerians.
Vaccination in Enugu
The Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency aims to vaccinate 942,707 children in the 2024 Integrated Measles Campaign. Dr Chinyere Chime, State Health Educator, shared this goal at a zonal meeting organized by UNICEF and the National Orientation Agency in Enugu.
Chime reported that the agency has received 853,000 vaccine doses and successfully vaccinated 891,454 children in the 2022 campaign, exceeding the target of 607,041. To surpass this year’s target, the agency plans to use media awareness, town hall meetings, and advocacy visits.
The measles vaccination targets children aged 9-59 months and is scheduled for October 12-18. Dr Chime emphasized that Nigeria has one of the highest measles incidence rates globally, and this vaccination is an opportunity to reduce zero-dose cases.
Dr Hilary Ozoh also shared that, measles is a deadly disease causing blindness, death, and weakened immunity in children. Ozoh stressed the need for intensified grassroots awareness, especially in Anambra, Benue, Enugu, Cross River, and Kogi states, and urged media outlets to report on the campaign to educate Nigerians consistently.
