Anambra to begin 2nd Round vaccination against Circulating Variant Polio Virus this Saturday 28th June 2025
The second round of National Immunization plus Days (NIPDs) against Circulating Variant Polio Virus
Type 2(CVPV2) infection will begin this Saturday 28 June and end on Tuesday 1st July 2025 in Anambra State.
Organised by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health and Partners, the campaign will hold across fixed/temporary posts, House to house and other designated points which include churches, Mosques, Schools, Markets, Village Square, Motor parks and wherever children are found.
Children between 0-59 months will receive Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) irrespective of previous immunization status.
Briefing newsmen in Awka, the Executive Secretary ASPHCDA, Pharm (Mrs) Chisom Uchem said the NIPDS campaign is aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind in the collective effort to end polio and strengthen routine immunization coverage to protect the health and future of Anambra children.
She noted that this is Nigeria’s last opportunity to end polio transmission, hence the need to prioritise good execution.
“in order to reach every child, permission is hereby sought to enter your premises during the Week.
“Note: If your child or any child in your community under 15 years suddenly develops weakness of one or two legs or arms, report immediately to the nearest health facility or immunization team.
You are by this letter required to kindly avail the eligible children within the targeted age groups this opportunity to be vaccinated,” said Uchem who was represented by the Director Disease and Immunization Control, Dr Nnamdi Placcid Uliagbafusi.
Also speaking, State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Bonos Mohammed expressed satisfaction over the unfavorable feedbacks from the previous first round of the NIPDs which he hoped would be corrected in the next edition.
He said, “Having implemented the first round of the NIPDs in May, we received lots of feedback that weren’t very favourable. Part of the feedback showed poor sensitization which led to low vaccine acceptance.
“While we can blame this to the lack of trust and suspicion of residents of any activity of the government, we cannot afford to toy with the health and future of our children.
“If better result will be achieved, our strategy to reach more children in the state must change. We can’t continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. We must be intentional about this.”
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Obiageli Uchebo canvassed for Advocacy Visits to stakeholders, including religious, education ministry, community and market leaders to further enlighten them on benefits and dangers of taking or rejecting the vaccines.
She called for proactive approach on the part of the State Social Mobilization Committee towards changing the misconceptions and myths affecting effective vaccination.
