FIC Report (Anambra State) – Anambra State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and others have organized a one-day orientation for Journalists and other Stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Measles-Rubella Vaccination (MRV) campaign in the State.
In His address during the event which took place in Awka, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike disclosed that the date for the exercise is February 4th to 15th, 2026 and the venues are schools, churches, mosques, homes and healthcare centres in the State.
“The vaccines are safe and effective and paid for by the government. Leave no child age 0 to 14 years behind.” He said.
He also said that measles and rubella are deadly diseases which can cause miscarriages in pregnant women, brain damage, blindness and death.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Mrs Chisom Uchem said that the Media practitioners as gatekeepers were important Stakeholders in ensuring success of the Measles – Rubella Vaccination implementation campaign in the State.
She assured that the exercise would be carried out strictly by trained and licensed health practitioners and allayed fears surrounding the vaccination adding that the engagement with Media, Religious and Community Leaders as well as Civil society organizations was to ensure accurate information about the vaccination.
Mr Victor James, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Consultant, noted that the health and well-being of children remained a top priority for the agency, describing them as the future of the State.
He added, “It should not be heard that any child is affected by measles and rubella when we have the knowledge and means to prevent such diseases. The vaccine is safe for our children no adverse effects….”
Signed
Joy N. Chukwurah
Head of Centre
FIRC, Awka.
20/1/2026.
