(DDM) – The Anambra State Government has ordered all local government mayors to close schools that deny children access to immunization, warning that failure to comply would attract sanctions.
The directive came from the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting with all twenty-one local government area mayors in preparation for the upcoming Measles and Rubella Vaccine rollout.
Dr. Obidike emphasized that mayors must personally supervise the immunization exercise within their councils and remove any officials who fail to execute the program effectively.
He described the campaign as a critical intervention to protect children and prevent further outbreaks of measles and rubella across Anambra State.
Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, explained that the meeting aimed to strategize on reducing measles and rubella cases across the state and the nation.
Uchem confirmed that all operational mechanisms have been set up to ensure no child is left unvaccinated in the state.
State Health Immunization Officer, Mrs. Edith Onwuka, noted that the campaign targets immunity gaps among eligible children.
She revealed that recent rubella cases have emerged in Njikoka, Aguata, Ihiala, and Orumba North local government areas, making urgent action necessary.
Retired Captain Casmir Nwafor, Mayor of Orumba North, pledged his council’s full cooperation to guarantee the success of the immunization drive.
He assured that his team would mobilize all resources to achieve maximum coverage and safeguard children’s health.
Igwe Emeka Ilouno, the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area and a public health expert, praised the state government for prioritizing immunization.
He urged all mayors to take ownership of the program, stressing that leadership commitment would determine its success.
Dr. Nnamdi Okoye of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency reaffirmed the federal agency’s partnership with the state to strengthen immunization coverage.
Okoye encouraged mayors to ensure that the exercise reaches every eligible child in their respective councils.
Mr. Victor James of UNICEF also promised continued collaboration with the state government to enhance health sector performance and promote vaccine uptake.
The meeting highlighted the state’s resolve to tackle preventable diseases aggressively while emphasizing the accountability of local government leadership.
Dr. Obidike concluded by stressing that mayors must act decisively, supervise implementation, and guarantee that schools comply with vaccination requirements.
He warned that failure to enforce the immunization program could endanger children’s health and compromise the state’s broader public health objectives.
This bold directive positions Anambra State as a proactive leader in combating measles and rubella, holding local authorities accountable and signaling zero tolerance for negligence in children’s health protection.
