The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday officially launched the Measles–Rubella (MR) Vaccine Introduction Campaign in the state.
According to the first lady, the state is targeting at least 98 percent coverage, representing approximately 2.7 million children during the implementation.
The vaccination exercise would run from February 4 to February 15, targeting children between the ages of nine months to 14 years.
The vaccines will be administered in all the health facilities across the 330 health wards in the state, as well as at temporary fixed posts such as churches, schools, and markets.
Speaking at the launch, the wife of the Governor explained that Anambra State is entering a new phase of intensive, statewide immunization aimed at protecting children aged nine months to 14 years from the preventable and potentially deadly diseases of measles and rubella.
Dr. Soludo disclosed that the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign will run for ten days, ending on February 14, 2026, and that the vaccine will be administered free of charge across the state.
She emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the success of the campaign and appealed to local government authorities, parents, school administrators, traditional and community leaders, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders to actively support the initiative.
“The Measles–Rubella vaccine is not only important; it is safe and effective. Every child within the recommended age bracket must receive this vaccine to remain protected against these diseases. Immunization remains the most reliable and effective way to save the lives of our children, and it should never be taken for granted,” she said.
The First Lady further stressed that immunization is a fundamental right of every child, noting that denying a child access to vaccines is equivalent to denying them the opportunity for a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life.
“I want to assure parents and caregivers once again that this vaccine is safe, effective, and reliable. No child in Anambra State should be denied this very important opportunity to live a healthy life,” she added.
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, ANSPHCDA, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem said the exercise would be carried out strictly by trained and licensed health practitioners.
According to her, this is because the vaccines are injectables.
She addressed concerns about the vaccination, stressing that the vaccines were free, safe, and effective.
“We were all vaccinated as children, and we are alive today. We cannot give our children what is harmful to them because their health is our priority,” Uchem said.
