By Pius Awunah
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has engaged religious leaders to ensure effective immunisation of children in the Federal Capital Territory.
The campaign commenced last Thursday with a press briefing at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Center, where the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe highlighted the importance of compliance with the ongoing Child Immunisation Campaign (Measles-Rubella) under the Child Rights Act, 2003.
Fasawe assured that immunisation in the FCT was free, safe, effective, and “secures the future of every child,” stressing that ignorance or misinformation must never be an excuse for non-compliance.
“We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” she added.
The Mandate Secretary disclosed that the FCT Minister,Mr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every child fully vaccinated in public schools across the Territory.
She revealed that the Administration had begun enforcing relevant legal provisions to address non-compliance or obstruction of vaccination teams, warning that violators, including parents and school owners, will face sanctions under the Child Rights Act.
According to her, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act compels parents, guardians, and institutions to ensure that every child is fully immunised, and denying such access constitutes a violation of a child’s right to health and protection.
She added that field advocacy visits commenced last Friday, targeting various mosques and Islamic centers across Abuja, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation.
The exercise continued on Sunday with visits to major 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.
