Over 1.5 million children vaccinated in Enugu’s measles-rubella campaign, with health officials targeting full coverage by February 15

The Enugu State Government says more than 1.5 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella in the first week of the ongoing statewide immunisation campaign.

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Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Ocheku, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, disclosed the figure during the flag-off ceremony at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on Wednesday.

She said the number represents about 68 per cent of the target 2.2 million children, describing it as unprecedented and a demonstration of the state’s commitment to achieving zero cases of the diseases.

“This is a historic and deliberate move to protect the future of the state,” Ani-Ocheku said. “The life of a child in Nsukka is as valuable as the life of a child in New York. In Enugu, the health of our children is non-negotiable. We declare zero measles and zero rubella in Enugu State.”

Health workers have conducted aggressive community mobilisation, visiting homes, schools, churches, and mosques to ensure no child is left out. No serious adverse effects have been recorded since the campaign began.

Ani-Ocheku highlighted the risks of measles, which can cause blindness, deafness, brain swelling, and death, and rubella, which poses serious risks including congenital disabilities in unborn children. She said the vaccines provide double protection in a single shot and are safe and effective.

Governor Peter Mbah, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the campaign as a “sacred obligation” of government.

He stressed that the health of children is central to the state’s economic and social development, noting that a sick child cannot learn or grow into future leaders.

Mbah highlighted reforms in the health sector, including granting autonomy to local government health authorities, sanitising primary healthcare payroll systems, revitalising health training institutions, and ensuring access to Basic Health Care Provision Funds.

He urged parents to ensure their children aged nine months to 14 years are vaccinated before the campaign ends on February 15.

“In vaccination, 68 per cent is commendable, but it is not enough. The virus looks for the gaps. Let us find the remaining children. Our goal is simple: zero measles, zero rubella, full protection,” the governor said.

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The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, and the Chairman of Oji River Local Government, Mr Greg Anyaegbudike, also urged caregivers to take advantage of the campaign, assuring that the vaccines are safe, effective, and critical for safeguarding Enugu children’s health and future.