The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reached out to religious leaders in Abuja to boost compliance with child immunisation campaigns. Mandate Secretary Adedolapo Fasawe led advocacy visits to churches and mosques, emphasising free vaccinations and legal mandates. The initiative aims to protect every child from preventable diseases like measles and rubella.
In a bid to address immunisation non-compliance, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enlisted the support of religious leaders across Abuja. Mandate Secretary for the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, conducted advocacy campaigns at various religious centres, highlighting the ongoing Child Immunisation Campaign against Measles-Rubella, as mandated by the Child Rights Act of 2003.
Fasawe stressed that immunisation is 'free, safe, effective, and secures the future of every child,' dismissing ignorance or misinformation as unacceptable excuses. She announced that FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved free enrolment in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for fully vaccinated children in public schools. To enforce participation, the administration is applying Sections 13 and 14 of the Child Rights Act, which require parents, guardians, and institutions to ensure full immunisation. Violators, including parents and school owners obstructing vaccination teams, face sanctions for denying children their right to health and protection.
The outreach formed part of a broader citywide sensitisation effort, with FCTA teams deployed to districts, communities, hard-to-reach areas, and places of worship. Partners include the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVAC, alongside traditional institutions, mosques, churches, community associations, NGOs, and CSOs like the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation.
Religious leaders responded positively. Pastor Edwin Etomi, Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Wuye International Headquarters, commended the minister's 'proactive commitment to child health and grassroots engagement.' Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International in Area 1 applauded the efforts and urged parents to vaccinate, noting it 'helps secure the future of every child.'
Visits continued to major churches including Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Parents attended in large numbers, receiving gifts, party packs, and toys from Fasawe. The secretariat has compiled a list of non-compliant schools, issued reminders, and mobilised 132 vaccination teams for a three-day mop-up exercise with NPHCDA and stakeholders.