The Anambra State Government has announced plans to roll out a statewide measles–rubella (MR) vaccination campaign from 4 to 15 February 2026.
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Chisom Uchem, made this known during stakeholders and media engagement held in Awka, the state capital.
She said the campaign would target children aged nine months to 14 years, the age group most vulnerable to measles and rubella infections.
According to Uchem, the engagement was organised to equip journalists, community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations with accurate and timely information, ensuring that awareness of the vaccination reaches even the most remote communities across the state.
She noted that Anambra State is participating in the second stream, Phase Two, of Nigeria’s national measles–rubella vaccination programme.
“The media and community stakeholders are critical partners in this exercise. We are relying on them to serve as ambassadors before, during and after the campaign, so that no eligible child is missed,” she said.
Uchem assured parents and caregivers that the vaccines are free, safe and effective, and will be administered strictly by trained and licensed health professionals in line with national and international health standards.
Addressing misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, she stressed that the health and well-being of children remain the top priority of the government and its partners.
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners.
Speaking at the event, Okonkwo Obunike of the NPHCDA reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Anambra State in strengthening its healthcare delivery system and improving access to essential health services.
UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Consultant for the state, Mr Victor James, emphasised that protecting children’s health is central to the agency’s mission.
Describing children as the future of Anambra State, he said preventable diseases such as measles and rubella should no longer pose a threat where effective vaccines and adequate information are available.
“It should not be heard that any child suffers from measles or rubella when we have proven preventive measures. The vaccine is safe and has no adverse effects, and we urge all stakeholders to ensure that no child is left out,” James said.
A paediatrician, Dr Uju Chinenye, warned that failure to immunise eligible children could lead to outbreaks, increased child mortality, long-term disabilities and economic losses for families and communities.
She added that sustained immunisation, backed by strong community participation and government commitment, remains the most effective way to prevent such outcomes.
Earlier, the State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, explained that vaccination teams would be deployed to health facilities, schools, churches and mosques to ensure wide and equitable coverage throughout the campaign period.
Traditional rulers and community leaders, including the traditional ruler of Ukwalla Community in Anambra West Local Government Area, Igwe Joseph Ajodo, were also in attendance.