The Anambra State Ministry of Health has convened a stakeholder engagement and advocacy meeting to strengthen measure for the successful implementation of the upcoming Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization campaign and improve Routine Immunization (RI) services across the state.
The measles and rubella vaccine has been scheduled to be launched in Anambra in the first quarter of 2024, and targets children between 0-14 years.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can spread easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Rubella disease, also known as German measles, is caused by the virus RuV, is highly contagious and causes a rash, low fever, and other symptoms
The engagement involved the stakeholders’ meeting where the implementation team and relevant committees were inaugurated, as well as a follow-up session to review progress, address emerging gaps and fine-tune strategies ahead of the campaign.
Both meetings were chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and brought together officials of the State Ministry of Health, Development partners including WHO, UNICEF, AFENET and IVAC, the State Health Educator and Immunization teams, Disease control and Cold chain officers, Local Government representatives, as well as Media and Public Relations Officers.
Declaring the sessions open, the Health Commissioner, Dr Obidike emphasized the need for stronger coordination, accountability and weekly actions to address gaps in Routine Immunization and ensure the success of the MR campaign.
He stressed that community ownership and political commitment at the LGA and ward levels would be critical to achieving wide coverage.
The Commissioner announced the inauguration of Primary Health Care Service Champions, while explaining that councillors at the LGA level were expected to serve as PHC champions, take ownership of immunization activities and work closely with Traditional Rulers and Community leaders to improve acceptance and compliance.
During the meeting, technical working groups were proposed and inaugurated, including committees on data, Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), logistics management, waste management and training under the Technical Logistics Coordinating Committee- which was inaugurated to oversee logistics and operational readiness.
Some of the stakeholders emphasized the need for better coordination among Vaccination Teams, Health Educators and Disease Control Units, as well as prompt resolution of challenges related to Staff availability and compensation.
They observed that immunization efforts record better results in churches, while schools remain a major challenge due to limited engagement with the Education sector. The need for prior training and sensitization of teachers was emphasized.
The issue of counterpart funding featured prominently at both meetings, as Stakeholders raised concerns over delays in the release of funds, while the Commissioner acknowledged the challenge and called for urgent follow-up at the state level.
The Cold chain and logistics unit said clarity was still required on funding timelines, with the matter deferred to a subsequent high-level meeting.
LGA level challenges were also highlighted, including resistance and low compliance in some schools and communities.
On Schools and Communities engagement, discussions focused on the role of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) in sensitization and disease surveillance. Proposed activities included school mapping, church and school engagement, and dedicated health education days. Stakeholders identified the Ministry of Education as critical to reaching private and mission schools.
Media and advocacy were identified as key drivers of success, with emphasis on radio jingles, videos and community messaging.
