Anambra sensitizes public on 2015 measles campaign

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Anambra state has commenced sensitization of the public for vaccination of children against measles in the state.

The State Director of Healthcare and Disease control, MoH, Dr. Emma Okafor, who briefed newsmen in Awka, yesterday, through the state Health Educator, Mrs. Schola Okoli, said the exercise tagged Integrated Measles Campaign (IMC), 2015 in Anambra covers the age range from nine months to 59 months.

He explained that this second measles vaccine is injection, and it should be given at temporary fixed posts, including churches, markets, schools and health facilities across the state.

He advised parents and guardians to ensure they collect the Measles Vaccination Cards (MVC) for every child vaccinated from the health personnel on the spot.

According to him, the date for the vaccination is from December 4 to December 8, 2015, while the vaccine is given free of charge.

Okafor, however, reminded that, “without the MVC, that child is assumed not to have received the vaccination.

“Any person regardless of age with fever and rash should report to the nearest health facility in the state”, even as he urged parents to avail themselves of this opportunity to present their children under five years for the second measles vaccination.

Stressing that the exercise is expected to reduce the burden of measles to zero point in Anambra, he said children ranging from zero to 59 months who were given the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), should be given mark on the left little finger.

According to him, the programme is sponsored by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Anambra State Ministry of Health.