Anambra records huge turnout as this year's World Immunization Week ceremony ends
- Surefoot AfrikBg
- May 1
- 2 min read

By Madu Obi
Anambra State recorded huge turnout of vaccination against preventable diseases during this year's World Immunization Week, which ended on April 30, 2025.
This was a marked improvement compared to the previous exercise in which some local government areas in the state recorded low turnout, as a result of insecurity and lack of interest by some mothers, thereby requiring three catch up exercises before the commencement of the 2025 immunization week.
The exercise, which was sponsored by the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, was carried out in five local government areas of Dunukofia, Njikoka, Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Ekwusigo.
At the flag off of the exercise at Njikoka local government area headquarters, the Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs. Chisom Uchem, expressed delight that mothers have begun to appreciate the importance of regular immunization of their children from zero to 15 months.
Stressing the need and importance of immunization and receiving full doses of vaccination which is free, safe and effective, Uchem said that five teams were deployed in each of the five local government areas where the exercise took place for effective coverage.
She educated mothers/caregivers on healthy practices that would aid, protect and keep safe from diseases, including good hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding for children zero to six months and healthy eating habits.
She expressed gratitude to UNICEF and other partners supporting the state in immunization activities and urged the people to always visit Primary Healthcare Centers PHCs, for their health needs such as vaccination, treatment of minor illness, blood pressure and sugar checks.
She said that malaria vaccine has also been approved for use in Nigeria, adding that it would be given free of charge in Anambra State before the end of 2025.
The State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina urged mothers not to default in their children's immunization and to ensure they receive full doses of their vaccinations.
She also spoke on the upcoming National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign expected to commence on May 3rd in Anambra State, urging mothers to use the opportunity to protect their children against Polio.
Earlier at a media briefing, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe pledged the commitment of the world body to continue to assist Nigeria to ensure the protection of children from communicable diseases.
She urged governments at all levels to support the funding of immunization activities, to ensure that vaccines were made available at all times.
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