Anambra State Government will commence the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), against circulating Polio Virus Type-2 infection, on May 3.
Mrs Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, made the announcement at a meeting in Awka.
Uchem was represented by Dr Ngozi Okeke, Director, Community Health Services, ASPHCDA.
She said children between zero to 59 months would be immunised with the Novel Oral Polio Vaccines (NOPV).
She said the vaccine immunes children against poliomyelitis, a deadly childhood disease that could cripple a child or even kill the victim.
“The Polio campaign will run from May 3 to May 6, at healthcare centres, house-to-house and community centres.
“Also in schools, markets, motor parks, Mosques, Churches and other designated post,”she said.
Dr Bonos Mohammed, Anambra state Coordinator, WHO, said religious and community leaders play a crucial role in mobilising the public and preventing vaccine hesitancy.
“This is the final opportunity to vaccinate children against polio in Nigeria.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child receives the vaccine to achieve herd immunity against the virus,”he said.
State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, called on parents and caregivers to ensure their children and wards were brought forward for immunisation.
She said vaccination officers had been trained and deployed across the state for effective mobilisation and compliance.
Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CSOs, traditional and community leaders, pledged their support to the campaign.
