The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Healthcare Board, in collaboration with United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, have urged the media to help raise awareness for the upcoming immunization program set to run from October 26 to November 1, 2024.
During a one-day media orientation focused on Integrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SAIs) in Abuja, Acting Director of the FCT PHCB, Dr. Nicholas Okoli, assured participants that the vaccines are safe, free, and readily available at all Primary Healthcare facilities throughout the territory.
Dr. Okoli indicated, “In the past, parents often took their children abroad for expensive vaccinations. Now, vaccination is accessible and provided at no cost. It’s safe and without side effects.”
He detailed the nine immunization stages required for children, starting from birth and continuing through various milestones up to 12 months. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to vaccinate young female adults against cervical cancer.
Highlighting the impact of vaccination, Dr. Okoli noted that diseases such as measles and polio have seen a significant decline due to the programs, but he reiterated the need for increased awareness campaigns to further protect child health.
Representative from UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change department, Mrs. Margaret Soyemi, stressed the importance of immunization in preventing childhood diseases.
“Most diseases that lead to child mortality are preventable,” she said, urging the media to help spread the message to parents.
Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ruqayya Wamakko, called on media representatives to utilize their platforms to inform the public about the importance of vaccinations, ensuring that all eligible children can benefit from these essential health services.
This collaborative effort aims to bolster immunization rates and improve overall health outcomes for children in the FCT.