EDUCATION COMMISSIONER BACKS HEALTH MINISTRY’S PUSH FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION IN ANAMBRA SCHOOLS

By Obiageli Nwankwo

The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has pledged the ministry’s full support for the state-wide campaign on routine immunization and measles–rubella vaccination across schools.

Prof. Chuma-Udeh gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to her office at the State Secretariat Complex, Awka by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, and his team, who highlighted major challenges affecting immunization, particularly the lack of access to many private schools and their refusal to allow health officials to vaccinate pupils.

Responding, the Education Commissioner approved immediate collaboration between both ministries, saying that her office would issue an official circular granting the health team access to all schools for immunization, provided parental consent is obtained.

She further urged the health officials to intensify sensitization campaigns to counter negative perceptions about immunization. According to her, society continues to battle “backward and retrogressive mindsets” that hinder children from receiving the full benefits of vaccines, thereby exposing them to preventable childhood diseases.

Earlier, Dr. Obidike explained that resistance from schools, especially private institutions, remains a significant obstacle to the state’s routine immunization and measles–rubella vaccination efforts. He appealed to the Education Ministry to intervene and ensure compliance.

The visit concluded with renewed commitment from both ministries to strengthen co-operation and improve immunization coverage for school children across Anambra State.