By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Ahead of the introduction of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination in Anambra State with its attendant fears, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has assured parents and caregivers of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

This assurance was given by the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Mrs. Chisom Uchem during a media engagement organised by the State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with ASPHCDA and partners.

Giving insight to the exercise, Uchem said that the vaccination which will kick off on Feb 5 and run till Feb 15 for children between the ages of nine months to 14 years will be administered in all the health facilities across the 330 health wards in the state.

According to her, the vaccination will be administered at temporary fixed posts such as churches, schools and markets.

She explained that the engagement with the media, religious and community leaders as well as civil society organisations was to ensure that accurate information about the vaccination reached all parts of the state.

While allaying fears surrounding the vaccination, Uchem said that the vaccination process would be handled strictly by trained and licensed health practitioners, adding that the vaccines were free, safe and effective.

Earlier in his speech, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike announced that the vaccination are specifically for children between the ages of zero to 14 years.

He said: “Vaccination will continue after this campaign at our various Healthcare facilities across the state.

"Measles and Rubella are deadly diseases, which can cause miscarriages in pregnant women, brain damage, blindness and death.

"The vaccines are safe, effective and paid for by the Government. Leave no child aged 0 to 14 years behind.”

On his part, the UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Consultant, Mr Victor James said the health and well-being of children remained a top priority for the agency, describing them as the future of the state.

“It should not be heard that any child is affected by Measles or Rubella when we have the knowledge and means to prevent such diseases. The vaccine is safe for our children with no adverse effects.

“We urge stakeholders to ensure that no child was missed during the exercise. The Media should also promote the demand for the vaccine in Anambra through their reports", he stated.

Also, a Paediatrician at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Uju Chinenye, stressed that non-immunisation could lead to increased disease outbreaks and higher mortality rates.

She cited other consequences to include long-term disabilities, economic losses and serious threats to herd immunity.

She added: "Sustained vaccination of eligible children, alongside strong community and government commitment, remains the way forward."

Meanwhile, the State Health Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina, has given assurance that health teams would visit healthcare facilities, churches, schools and mosques to ensure comprehensive and coordinated coverage.

She noted: "We will not wait for mothers to bring their children to primary healthcare centres. Our teams will go to markets, motor parks, churches, schools and other places where children gather.

“We have also made arrangements, including hiring boats, to reach riverine and hard-to-reach communities in the state.”