In a renewed bid to boost child health and eliminate preventable diseases, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified its public awareness and field campaigns to ensure that every child in Abuja receives full immunisation coverage.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, was officially launched on Thursday with a press briefing at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
Addressing journalists, the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, stressed that child immunisation remains one of the most effective public health interventions, urging parents and guardians to comply with the ongoing Measles-Rubella Child Immunisation Campaign.
She reminded residents that immunisation in the FCT is completely free, safe, and effective, adding that misinformation or ignorance should never be a reason for non-participation.
“We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” Dr. Fasawe said.
In a significant policy move, Dr. Fasawe disclosed that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for all children who are fully vaccinated in public schools across the territory.
She further revealed that the Administration has begun enforcing the Child Rights Act, 2003, particularly Sections 13 and 14, which make it a legal duty for parents, guardians, and schools to ensure full immunisation of every child.
“Any parent, guardian, or school that obstructs vaccination teams or fails to ensure a child is immunised will face sanctions under the law,” she warned.
The FCTA’s intensified advocacy, which began immediately after the press conference, includes field visits to mosques, churches, schools, and community centres across the six area councils, aimed at boosting turnout and dispelling vaccine-related myths.
Officials say the renewed campaign is part of efforts to achieve 100% immunisation coverage in the FCT and safeguard children from diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and tuberculosis.
