The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra State branch has launched an extensive community sensitisation campaign to promote vaccination and strengthen routine immunisation across vulnerable communities in south-eastern Nigeria.
The initiative is part of the Saving Lives and Livelihoods Project funded by the Mastercard Foundation and supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Itseeks to increase vaccine uptake among children, youths, and persons living with disabilities in the state.
The campaign began on Wednesday at the Red Cross headquarters in Awka, where 35 data collectors were trained to support vaccination efforts in three local government areas with low immunisation coverage: Anambra West, Ogbaru, and Nnewi North.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kingsley Okoye, described the six-month project as “a critical milestone” in strengthening community resilience and preparedness against preventable disease outbreaks.
“The Red Cross has always been at the forefront of vaccination efforts globally.
“We are committed to increasing access to life-saving vaccines and ensuring that communities understand that vaccines are safe, free, and effective,” Okoye said.
He explained that “the Red Cross employs innovative strategies, including animations, house-to-house outreach, and community engagement, to dispel misinformation about vaccines and encourage routine immunisation.”
The programme also includes capacity building for healthcare workers, collaboration with primary healthcare centres, and partnerships with media organisations to amplify vaccine awareness messages.
“We are engaging mothers, youths, and people with disabilities through counselling and advocacy meetings to promote complete vaccine uptake.
“Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child receives all recommended vaccines to prevent outbreaks,” he added.
The initiative also emphasises the importance of reliable data in strengthening Nigeria’s immunisation system.
Trained data collectors will gather critical information to support routine vaccination campaigns and monitor progress in target communities.
Senior Project Officer for the Saving Lives and Livelihoods Project, Dr Ahmad Abdulmajid noted that the intervention is part of a broader effort implemented in 10 states across Nigeria to boost vaccination rates and prepare for future health emergencies.
“This project reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to improving disease outbreak preparedness through data-driven vaccination strategies,” Abdulmajid said.
Officials from the National and State Primary Health Care Development Agencies, educators, and community leaders attended the event, pledging continued collaboration to achieve full immunisation coverage in Anambra State.