FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Over 1.3 million children have been vaccinated against the Measles-Rubella (MR) disease in Nasarawa State, as the government intensifies efforts to protect children from the contagious infection.
The State Immunization Officer, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr. Abubakar Halilu Awe, stated this while giving an update on the MR vaccination coverage across the state.
Mr. Awe said Nasarawa is leading among the twelve implementing states under Phase 1, Stream One of the national campaign, recording an impressive 103% coverage — representing 1,360,869 children aged nine months to fourteen years vaccinated across all local government areas.
He commended the State Taskforce on Immunization for taking proactive measures to address cases of non-compliance, especially in federal institutions.
“We will use the two-day mop-up period to revisit settlements that were partially covered to ensure that every eligible child gets the vaccine,” he stated.
On the strategies that boosted participation, the Director of Education, Communication, Advocacy and Social Mobilization, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Ibrahim, attributed the success to the strong political will of the present administration and sustained engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
“We held serious engagements with critical stakeholders, including members of the State House of Assembly, the Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Permanent Secretary.
We also worked with management of federal institutions like Federal Government Colleges in Keffi and Doma to ensure parental consent was obtained through the PTAs before vaccination,” he explained.
A visit by Radio Nigeria to some vaccination posts in schools and worship centers revealed active participation of parents and teachers assisting health workers to administer the vaccines.
Two parents, Mr. Dan Yakubu and Mrs. Esther Okorie, expressed satisfaction with the exercise, noting that they allowed their children to participate because of the proven efficacy and health benefits of the vaccine.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Eze, a teacher in a private school, confirmed that her school management sought parental consent before allowing pupils and students to be vaccinated.
Meanwhile, due to high demand and temporary stock shortages, Nasarawa State has received additional vaccine doses from neighboring states to sustain the momentum of both the Measles-Rubella and HPV vaccination campaigns.
Signed
(ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
