Anambra kicks-off measles 2nd Dose Routine Immunizations exercise

By Uchenna Ezeadigwe

The Anambra State primary health care development agency has flagged off the introduction of measles 2nd dose into routine immunizations as its efforts towards eradicating epidemic diseases within the state.

The kick off which took place at the Primary Healthcare Centre Isuaniocha had in attendance representatives of sister agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), Tuberculosis partners, United Nations Immunizations Children Educational Fund (UNICEF), religious organisations and educational institutions among others.

Reports reveals that Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the measles virus through respiratory droplets and its mortality rate is more amongst children less than 5 years who live in overcrowded conditions.

the Transition Chairman, Awka North Local Government Area, Hon Ferdinand Onwuje during the welcome address, said that research carried out by WHO revealed that the single measles vaccination given at nine months of age only achieve 75% protection. He added that the Measles containing Vaccine 2 if administered will be capable of producing up to 95% protection to the child from measles.

Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr Mrs Chioma Ezenyimulu stated that the second dose of the measles vaccine shall be given at the 15 months of age which extends children’s eligibility for immunization to 23months.

She further added that the kick off commences immediately to all children under the age bracket and this will be followed up with a one-week RI intensification in the southern states of Nigeria where other routine immunization antigens will be administered against vaccine preventable diseases to interrupt the circulation of measles.

The Executive Secretary also added that trained health workers would be at all primary Health Centre and designated posts in the community to give the Measles Containing Vaccine as well as other routine immunization antigens.

Also speaking during the flag off, the Anambra State Governor, Dr willie Obiano represented by the Deputy Governor Hon Nkem Okeke thanked the primary healthcare and other health agencies for their relentless effort in providing health services in the state as Anambra stands out as the number one state in the country.

He equally assured that Anambra State government is fully out to support the fight against killer diseases in the state.

Dignitaries at the Occasion where, the National Primary Health Development Agency Dr Emmanuel.W. Chidama, Hon Commissioner Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Chief Greg Obi, the Board Chairman, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency Prof J.O Ogbuagu, and State Co-ordinator World Health Organization Dr Diden Igboekwu among others.