Dr. Fasawe canvassing for congregation support for vacination at Christian Holy Church International Hq. Credit FCTHSES

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to ensure every child in the territory is protected against preventable diseases by engaging religious and community leaders to promote compliance with the ongoing Child Immunisation Campaign (Measles-Rubella).

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Bola Ajao, Special Adviser on Media to the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe.

According to the statement, the campaign, which began last Thursday with a press briefing, seeks to strengthen public awareness and compliance with immunisation requirements as enshrined in the Child Rights Act of 2003.

Dr. Fasawe emphasized that immunisation across the FCT remains free, safe, and effective, stressing that ignorance or misinformation should not prevent parents from protecting their children.

“We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” she said.

She further revealed that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for every child fully vaccinated in public schools across the territory.

Fasawe added that the Administration has begun enforcing legal provisions against parents, guardians, or school owners who obstruct vaccination teams or deny children access to immunisation, warning that violators will face sanctions under the Child Rights Act.

Sections 13 and 14 of the Act mandate all parents and institutions to ensure every child is fully immunised, with failure to do so constituting a violation of the child’s right to health and protection.

Following the briefing, field advocacy visits began on Friday at mosques and Islamic centres, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation. The exercise continued on Sunday in 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.

Dr. Fasawe explained that the initiative is designed to be all-inclusive, involving religious institutions, traditional rulers, NGOs, civil society organisations, and partners like NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

“No child — whether in school, church, mosque, market, or playground — should be left unprotected from preventable diseases,” she stated.

During the outreach, Pastor Edwin Etomi, Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of MFM Wuye Headquarters, commended the FCT Minister’s commitment to child health, while Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, urged parents to take advantage of the campaign, saying it was vital for securing the future of Nigerian children.

Fasawe disclosed that 132 vaccination teams have been mobilised for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other partners to ensure full coverage. She added that the Secretariat has also compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters to enforce compliance.

The FCTA noted that parents turned out in large numbers across various districts, with many expressing appreciation for the government’s support and the incentives — including gifts, party packs, and toys — provided to children during the campaign.