The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has announced plans to commence the third round of its Big Catch-Up (BCU) vaccination campaign on April 22.
The first and second rounds of the BCU campaign were conducted in December 2024 and February 2025, respectively, targeting nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) with low immunisation coverage. These LGAs include Aguata, Ayamelum, Anaocha, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Nnewi South.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday in Awka, ASPHCDA Executive Secretary Mrs. Chisom Uchem, represented by Dr. Nnamdi Uliagbafusi, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, stated that the vaccination exercise would run from April 22 to April 27 at healthcare centers, community centers, and other designated locations.
“The BCU campaign aims to close immunisation gaps, especially for zero-dose children and those who have missed their scheduled vaccinations,” Uchem said. “Our goal is to strengthen routine immunisation, protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases, and ensure all eligible children are fully immunised.”
Mrs. Edith Onwuka, the State Immunisation Officer, highlighted that Anambra had surpassed its target coverage of 65%, effectively curbing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. She emphasised that the third round is crucial for ensuring children vaccinated in the earlier phases complete their immunisation schedules.
A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. Ndubisi Oji, noted that the state achieved 96% and 94% coverage in the first and second rounds of the campaign, respectively. He urged stakeholders to remain committed to achieving similar success in the final phase.
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Dr. Uju Eze, a consultant with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), called for innovative strategies to enhance community mobilisation for the vaccination drive.
Meanwhile, the State Health Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina, encouraged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the vaccines, assuring them of their safety and effectiveness.
