At least 114,102 children have been vaccinated in Imo State due to an immunisation campaign sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The state’s immunisation officer, Chibuzor Okoroama, disclosed this in Owerri on Thursday while briefing reporters on the success of UNICEF’s CatchUp Immunisation campaign. The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the programme’s implementation in four out of 16 selected council areas, reports that the locals widely accepted it.
The four council areas monitored were Njaba, Mbaitoli, Ngor-Okpala, and Owerri North. Ms Okoroama, a family physician, explained that the 16 council areas covered by the programme represented 65 per cent of the targeted coverage as directed by UNICEF. She said the additional council areas include Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Isu, Ideato North, Ideato South, Orsu, Oru East, Nkwerre, and Ohaji-Egbema.
According to her, immunisation is the quickest and most effective way to protect children from deadly diseases. She urged parents to ensure their children were promptly vaccinated. She explained that during the immunisation process, the team identified zero-dose and under-immunised children, as well as those who had never been vaccinated.
Ms Okoroama highlighted the high cost of vaccines and encouraged parents to take advantage of the free immunisation provided by UNICEF to boost their children’s immunity against diseases. She expressed satisfaction with the campaign.