In a bold effort to safeguard the health of its children, Abia State has launched a vaccination campaign targeting 111,000 unvaccinated children across the state. This campaign aims to protect children from dangerous diseases such as polio, hepatitis B, pneumonia, and tetanus. The ongoing effort is part of a larger health initiative designed to ensure that all children in the state, particularly those in underserved urban and rural areas, receive the immunizations they need.
Reaching the Unvaccinated: Targeted Areas
According to the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Chinwe Eke, these 111,000 children have not received vital vaccines, and the state is committed to reaching them. The unvaccinated children are spread across six local government areas (LGAs):
Aba South – 29,448 children
Ohafia – 17,382 children
Obingwa – 18,670 children
Arochukwu – 18,333 children
Osisioma – 16,837 children
Umunneochi – 10,339 childrenMrs. Eke emphasized that these areas are a priority, and efforts are being made to ensure no child is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases. The campaign, which began on December 9, 2023, is part of the Big-Catch-Up vaccination initiative, specifically designed to address the immunization gaps caused by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Progress and Optimism for the Future
As of December 17, 2023, the state had made significant progress but acknowledged that only 30% of the target had been reached. However, a mop-up exercise was carried out on December 18-19, with plans for additional rounds of vaccinations in January and February 2025 to ensure full coverage.
“We are optimistic that with continued effort and support, we will close the gap in the coming months,” Mrs. Eke said, adding that the campaign would continue until all eligible children have received their immunizations.
The Importance of the Big-Catch-Up Campaign
The Big-Catch-Up campaign has been especially important in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many children missing their routine vaccinations. Mrs. Eke explained that during the pandemic, immunization services were significantly impacted, leaving many children unprotected against preventable diseases.
“The pandemic created challenges in reaching all children for their immunizations. This campaign is aimed at catching up with the children who were left behind during those years,” she said.
This targeted effort focuses on children aged between 24 months and five years who missed out on vaccinations during the pandemic. According to national authorities, 111,000 children in Abia State have not received any vaccinations since birth, and this gap needs to be closed urgently to ensure that the state is protected from potential outbreaks.
Support from Global Partners and the State Government
Mrs. Eke also acknowledged the invaluable support of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) in this vaccination campaign. Their assistance has played a critical role in organizing the logistics and providing the necessary resources to reach the children who need it most.
She also expressed her gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his steadfast support of the state’s Primary Healthcare System (PHC), which has been crucial in the success of these initiatives. Governor Otti’s leadership has been instrumental in Abia’s recognition for outstanding performance in primary healthcare, and the state recently received a generous $400,000 grant from UNICEF to support its health efforts.
A Bright Future for Abia’s Children
The Big-Catch-Up vaccination campaign represents a critical opportunity for Abia State to strengthen its public health system and protect its children from life-threatening diseases. Mrs. Eke’s team is committed to ensuring that every child in Abia gets the immunizations they need to grow up healthy and strong.
By prioritizing the health and safety of its younger population, Abia is taking an important step towards a disease-free future, and ensuring that all children have the chance to thrive, regardless of where they live.
As the vaccination campaign continues into 2025, Abia’s children are one step closer to being protected from diseases that could otherwise have lasting consequences. With strong community engagement and continued support from local, national, and international partners, Abia is set to achieve its target of immunizing 111,000 children and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Abia, and join us in supporting this crucial initiative for the health of future generations!