Mr Chinedu Okafor, Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra, has urged community leaders to intensify grassroots sensitisation on Measles-Rubella vaccination.
Okafor described the diseases as highly contagious and deadly.
Represented by the Supervisor for Health, Mr Frank Ajazu, made the call at a sensitisation meeting held at the Maternal and Child Health Centre, Amawbia.
He stressed the importance of community involvement to ensure the success of the vaccination exercise scheduled to commence on Feb. 4 and run for 10 days.
“South-East region was privileged to be part of the exercise.
“We in Anambra have a role to play to ensure no child in our community is affected by measles and rubella.
“I urge community leaders to take the vaccination message to the grassroots.
“Help to counter misinformation and ensure accurate information reached households,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Ifeoma Igbojekwe, the Social Mobilisation Officer, highlighted the need to bridge communication gaps.
According to her, such gaps often hinder vaccination campaigns in communities.
She urged community leaders to provide correct information about the vaccines and actively dispel rumours within their communities.
“You are our eyes at the grassroots. We are counting on you to sensitise the people across Awka South. That is your mandate,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr Onyebuchukwu Chukwuma, UNICEF Consultant, commended the community leaders for their commitment.
Chukwuma assured them of UNICEF’s continuous support to ensure the success of the exercise.
He said the campaign was aimed at achieving widespread immunisation coverage, protecting children and reducing the risk of outbreaks in the state.
