Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), on Friday, commences immunization activities to combat Yellow Fever, Meningitis in Anambra State.
The initiative which is done in collaboration with partner agencies commences today 30th October and will last till 8th November, 2020.
The ASPHCDA executive director, Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu who disclosed this to TNC correspondent on Thursday, noted that the state is partnering UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO) to run mass preventive vaccination campaigns to combat Yellow Fever.
“This will be combined with Meningitis Afrivac (Men A) vaccine because WHO recommends a one-time catch-up campaign for children born after the initial mass vaccination, and will not be in the age range targeted by Routine Immunisation (RI) programme.’’
Ezenyimulu said the campaign involves two age groups for different antigens.
“Yellow Fever vaccination involves persons from 9 months to 44 years, while Meningitis A vaccination involves children from one (1)to five (5) years.
“Strategies to be used are Health facilities (fixed posts), Temporarily fixed posts, as well as designated posts in the state and duration for the programme, is 10 days from October 30 to November 8, 2020, from 7am to 2pm daily,’’ she revealed.
The Executive Secretary noted that the Yellow fever and Men A vaccines were safe, adding that to prevent outbreaks in affected regions, vaccination coverage must reach at least 80 per cent of the population at risk.
“For the purpose of this activity, Anambra state is targeting 95 per cent of the target population,” she said.
Ezenyimulu urged all stakeholders, including Religious, Traditional leaders, Educational institutions, Civil Society Groups and Caregivers to cooperate in sensitising and mobilising the people on these vaccinations.
