The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and development partners, has launched the first phase of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), with the goal of eradicating polio and boosting routine immunisation efforts across the state.
The campaign, which runs from 3rd to 6th May, is a state-wide immunisation drive focused on children under the age of five. To ensure full coverage, health teams have been deployed to both fixed and temporary vaccination points, while also conducting house-to-house visits.
Vaccination centres have been established in high-traffic public areas including churches, mosques, schools, marketplaces, village squares, and motor parks, making access as easy as possible for families.
The official launch ceremony took place at the Orumba South Local Government Area Secretariat Complex in Umueze, drawing significant participation from local stakeholders. Present were the LGA mayor and deputy mayor, traditional rulers, women’s associations, president generals, caregivers, and representatives from state and local health bodies, as well as development partners.
Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, emphasised the campaign’s critical importance in protecting the health and future of children in Anambra. She called for a collective effort to ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated, especially those in remote or underserved communities.
“Our health workers and community mobilisers are fully prepared and equipped for the task ahead,” she said, encouraging mothers and caregivers to prioritise vaccinating their children.
She also urged traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, and civil society groups to support mobilisation efforts, stressing that no child should be left unprotected.
Representing the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mr Emeka Ugwu reiterated the goals of the NIPDs — expanding immunisation coverage, improving children’s health outcomes, and fostering community engagement.
He stressed that such initiatives are crucial in preventing disabilities, building resilient communities, and reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Local officials echoed these sentiments. Hon. Shadrach Azubuike, Mayor of Orumba South LGA, alongside Deputy Mayor Mrs Ngozi Obidike, appealed to families to comply fully with the campaign and maintain up-to-date immunisation records for their children.
Offering traditional support, His Royal Majesty Igwe Livnus Obinna Ezenwa of Umuoma Ancient Kingdom commended the state’s health authorities and partners for their unwavering commitment to child health. He pledged the full cooperation of traditional institutions to achieve widespread vaccine coverage in his kingdom.
As the campaign gathers pace, Pharm. Uchem reaffirmed the importance of completing the full immunisation schedule to shield children from life-threatening illnesses. She noted that the initiative coincides with the 2025 African Vaccination Week, providing a timely reminder of the crucial role immunisation plays in public health and community safety.