The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a renewed drive to boost child immunisation and end vaccine hesitancy across Abuja. The Administration is working with churches, mosques, and community leaders to ensure no child is left unprotected from preventable diseases.
The campaign, led by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), began with a press briefing at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
Addressing journalists, the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said immunisation remains one of the most effective tools for child survival and a right protected under the Child Rights Act, 2003.
“Immunisation in the FCT is free, safe, and effective. It is the surest way to secure the future of every child. Ignorance or misinformation must never be an excuse for non-compliance,” she said.
Dr. Fasawe announced that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved free enrolment in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for all fully vaccinated children in public schools. She warned that parents or schools that block vaccination teams would face sanctions under Sections 13 and 14 of the Child Rights Act.
“Denying a child access to immunisation violates their right to health and protection,” she added.
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After the briefing, advocacy teams visited mosques and churches to spread the message. On Friday, they met with leaders of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation, while on Sunday, they visited the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), RCCG, ECWA, and Christ Holy Church International.
At MFM Wuye International Headquarters, Senior Pastor Edwin Etomi praised the FCT Minister for his commitment to child health, calling the campaign “a model for community-based public health action.”
Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church, Area 1, urged parents to take advantage of the campaign.
“When you immunise your child, you protect not just your family but the nation’s future,” he said.
Taking the Campaign to Every Community
To reach every household, FCTA teams worked across markets, schools, and hard-to-reach areas. Dr. Fasawe said the campaign involves key partners including NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, IVACA, and several NGOs and CSOs.
She explained that traditional rulers, religious bodies, and community associations are central to the ongoing effort to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. Parents in many areas turned out in large numbers, while children received gifts and toys to encourage participation.
To sustain momentum, the Secretariat has identified non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters. Dr. Fasawe said 132 vaccination teams have been mobilised for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other partners.
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“Our goal is simple, no child whether in a mosque, church, school, or market should be denied the right to life-saving immunisation,” she affirmed.
The ongoing Measles-Rubella Child Immunisation Campaign aligns with Nigeria’s target of achieving universal health coverage and eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases. Experts say consistent engagement with faith-based organisations is vital to overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure every child receives full immunisation.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
