FCTA Intensifies Citywide Immunisation Drive, Warns Against Non-Compliance

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat, has stepped up advocacy and field operations across the territory to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.

This was made known in a statement signed by Bola Ajao, the Special Adviser on Media to the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the intensified campaign—part of the ongoing Measles-Rubella Immunisation Campaign—officially commenced on Thursday with a press briefing aimed at reinforcing public awareness and stakeholder participation.

Fasawe: Immunisation Is a Child’s Right, Not a Choice

Dr. Fasawe stressed that immunisation in the FCT is free, safe, and effective, describing it as an investment in the future health and wellbeing of children. She warned that ignorance and misinformation must never be used as excuses for non-compliance.

“We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” Fasawe said. “Every parent and guardian must take responsibility for protecting their children. Immunisation is a child’s right under the law.”

She also disclosed that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for all children fully vaccinated in public schools across the territory.

Legal Enforcement for Non-Compliance

The Mandate Secretary added that the Administration has begun enforcing legal provisions against those obstructing vaccination teams or refusing to immunise eligible children.

“Sections 13 and 14 of the Child Rights Act (2003) mandate parents, guardians, and institutions to ensure that every child is fully immunised,” she explained. “Denying a child access to vaccination constitutes a violation of their right to health and protection. Violators, including parents and school owners, will face appropriate sanctions.”

Faith-Based and Community Advocacy Expands Coverage

Following the official launch, field advocacy visits were carried out across major mosques and Islamic centres, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation.
On Sunday, the team extended its outreach to churches such as the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

Fasawe said the campaign’s goal was to ensure that no child—whether in school, church, mosque, market, or playground—is left unprotected from preventable diseases.

Simultaneously, 132 vaccination teams were deployed across various districts and hard-to-reach communities to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Community Leaders Applaud FCTA Initiative

During one of the advocacy visits, the Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of MFM, Wuye International Headquarters, Pastor Edwin Etomi, commended Minister Wike for prioritising child health and community engagement.

Similarly, Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, praised the Administration’s proactive approach and encouraged parents to seize the opportunity to vaccinate their children, noting that “doing so secures the future of every child.”

Inclusive Approach and Partnership Support

Dr. Fasawe highlighted that the campaign involves collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

She added that secretariat teams have covered extensive areas of the FCT, engaging households and distributing gift packs and toys to encourage participation.

“Parents turned out in large numbers to have their children immunised,” she said. “This positive response shows growing confidence in our health system.”

To sustain the momentum, Fasawe disclosed that the secretariat has compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters ahead of a three-day citywide mop-up exercise being conducted in partnership with the NPHCDA and other stakeholders.