Dr. Afam Obidike, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, has challenged recent statements made by Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the state governor, regarding low immunisation rates in the state.
Contrary to Soludo’s assertion, Obidike reported a 15 percent increase in childhood immunisation coverage from 2022 to 2024, arguing that Anambra does not have a low immunisation uptake.
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According to Obidike, the state has exceeded the national benchmark of 90 percent for three key vaccines this year: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (113 percent), measles (95 percent), and yellow fever (94 percent).
The state government aims to achieve 100 percent coverage and has made childhood immunisation a top priority, recognizing its importance for child development.
Obidike clarified that the term ‘low immunisation’ referred specifically to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which faces widespread hesitancy nationwide.
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He indicated that Soludo’s comments were misinterpreted and did not reflect the broader immunisation efforts.
In August, Soludo had urged mothers at the 2nd Anambra State Women Health Summit to prioritize immunisation for their children, emphasizing its role in preventing lifelong illnesses.
Dr. Uju Obiagwu from the World Health Organisation also expressed concerns about decreasing immunisation coverage in Anambra.
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However, Obidike emphasized that Anambra has made significant strides in increasing immunisation rates, partly due to enhanced community education, house-to-house campaigns, and improved access to hospital deliveries.
He reported that the state now boasts one of the lowest under-five and maternal mortality rates, attributing this success to the provision of free antenatal and cesarean services.
The commissioner also noted that previous outbreaks of measles have been managed effectively through improved vaccine availability and targeted outreach.
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He highlighted that Anambra has seen no cholera cases this year, despite a broader cholera outbreak, further showcasing the effectiveness of their health initiatives.
Obidike reiterated the state’s commitment to achieving comprehensive immunisation coverage and addressing any gaps in public health outreach.
