Nigeria: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed concern over poor compliance with immunisation during the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, following reports that several schools denied vaccination teams access to pupils.
Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the situation as worrisome and a violation of children’s rights under the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003.
She announced that the Administration would introduce incentives and possible legislation to enhance compliance and sustain long-term participation in immunisation exercises.
According to her, children vaccinated during the campaign’s extended period would be enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme to motivate parents and schools to support immunisation.
“Denying a child access to vaccination is not merely an administrative lapse; it is a violation of a fundamental child right,” she stressed.
Fasawe revealed that the FCTA had approved new directives mandating all public and private schools to maintain a Child Health Register, verify immunisation during admissions or transfers, collaborate with Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for on-site vaccination, include immunisation awareness in assemblies and PTA meetings, and submit monthly compliance reports through the Education Secretariat.
She disclosed that about 1.6 million children had been vaccinated out of a 2.6 million target in the FCT, adding that a mop-up exercise had begun to reach unvaccinated children across the six Area Councils.
A total of 132 vaccination teams, she said, were deployed for the three-day extension.
“We have compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued warning letters reminding them of their legal obligations,” Fasawe said, warning that failure to comply would attract administrative sanctions under FCT Education and Public Health Regulations.
She urged parents, school proprietors, and community leaders to cooperate with vaccination teams, emphasising that immunisation is a collective responsibility and a moral duty.
FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, also appealed for full community support, assuring that all approved vaccines are safe and effective.
“We must take responsibility for securing our children’s future,” she said.
