The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board’s Department of Community Health Service held a one-day town hall meeting in preparation for “The Big Catch Up” strategy to close the immunization gap.
Dr. Urang Joseph, the Rivers State Immunization Officer, explained during the meeting that “The Big Catch Up” is an intervention immunization program set to commence in Rivers State this December. This initiative responds to the global immunization coverage gap created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, prompted by global health organizations, recommended that 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State with the highest burden of “Zero Dose” children should be prioritized for the first round of “The Big Catch Up” strategy immunization. These LGAs include Abua/Odual, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Asari Toru, Bonny, Degema, Emohua, Etche, Onelga, and Port-Harcourt.
From December 18-22, teams will move within communities to identify and vaccinate children in these LGAs. The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board urges parents and caregivers to allow their children to receive the vaccine, further mitigating the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Diana Babbo, the Health Educator and Convener of the town hall meeting, noted that during the COVID-19 era, many vaccinations for children were missed. This program aims to capture those who missed or couldn’t take their vaccines. Healthcare workers will set up temporary vaccination posts/camps in various areas, mobilizing parents to bring their children for vaccination. The main target is hard-to-reach areas, as the percentage of people who come to health centers for vaccination is very low.
The town hall meeting brought together individuals and representatives from various organizations, including Eve Afrique, Forum of Inclusive Educators and Readers (FIER), Muslim Women Association Rivers State Chapter, and the Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State Chapter, among others. The meeting aimed to create direct awareness for child vaccination, resolve non-compliance, and provide feedback to the management team.
Let’s join forces to ensure community protection of our children through adequate vaccination using “The Big Catch Up” strategy.