The Enugu State Government has rolled out a comprehensive immunisation campaign aimed at improving children’s health and reducing the socioeconomic burdens on families. Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders to ensure that every child receives essential vaccines.
The initiative, dubbed the “Big Catch-Up,” aims to address gaps in immunisation coverage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in five Local Government Areas: Enugu North, Isi-Uzo, Udi, Nsukka, and Uzo-Uwani.
Dr Chinelo Nnadi, the agency’s Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, explained that the lockdowns disrupted routine immunisations, leaving many children unprotected. The campaign focuses on children aged 12 to 59 months, with the goal of vaccinating every eligible child, irrespective of location.
UNICEF’s Vaccine Security Officer, Dr Nkem Agbata, reassured parents of the vaccines’ safety, noting that they had been thoroughly assessed by NAFDAC. She urged traditional leaders to support and monitor the campaign to ensure its success.
