By Murtala Muhammad
The ongoing Measles/Rubella Integrated Vaccination Campaign has recorded a massive turnout of parents voluntarily presenting their children for various vaccines.
Radio Nigeria, visited vaccination centres including health facilities, schools and fixed posts some areas, and observed that the exercise is being well received in many communities.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria during a visit to Ɗan Gikka Primary School in Bauchi metropolis, a member of Fathers for Good Health, a male-led community support group from Ɗan Amar “A”, Alkasim Bala Adamu, described the high turnout as encouraging and impressive.
Alkasim Adamu attributed the positive response to the extensive publicity given to the campaign by the federal and state governments, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other stakeholders.
A health worker, Isma’il Muhammad Lawal, commended Fathers for Good Health, the female-led Mama2Mama initiative, and the Volunteer Community Mobilisers (VCMs) for their commitment to community-based mobilisation aimed at changing negative health perceptions.
Isma’il Lawal who confirmed the availability of adequate materials required for the campaign, including antigens and record sheets, noted the release of what he described as a “sufficient transportation allowance”.
Leader of the VCM network in Ɗan Amar “A” ward, Yahuza Haruna, who thanked parents for cooperating with volunteers in presenting their children for vaccination, however noted a few cases of non-compliance in some areas.
The Facility Manager of Bayan Fada Primary Health Care Centre, Amina Idris, said that compared to previous campaigns, the current exercise has recorded much better compliance from parents and caregivers.
Director of Primary Health Care, Bauchi Local Council, Sulaiman Abdu Kirfi, urged parents who are yet to vaccinate their children to do so, as the campaign enters its second half.
In an interview with journalists in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, UNICEF Global Social Behaviour Change Manager, Dr Panchanan Achari, acknowledged the challenges of encouraging parents to present their children for vaccination, citing previous experiences in different LGAs.
He however, commended the efforts of community-led structures such as the VCM network, Mama2Mama, and Fathers for Good Health, describing their dedication and commitment as remarkable.
Radio Nigeria is part of the media teams, supported by UNICEF, tasked with the responsibility of monitoring the exercise with a view to reporting its progress and challenges.
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