FCTA enlists religious leaders to boost child immunisation compliance in Abuja

In a renewed effort to increase child immunisation coverage and tackle non-compliance, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified its advocacy and field campaigns across Abuja, engaging religious leaders and community institutions to ensure every child is protected from preventable diseases.

The campaign, spearheaded by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), began on Thursday with a press briefing at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

The Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasised the importance of compliance with the ongoing Measles-Rubella immunisation exercise, which is being implemented under the provisions of the Child Rights Act, 2003.

Dr. Fasawe reassured residents that all vaccines provided by the FCT Administration are free, safe, and effective, noting that misinformation or ignorance should never justify refusal. “We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” she said.

She also announced that FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every child who completes full vaccination in public schools. Additionally, she disclosed that the Administration has begun enforcing legal sanctions against parents, guardians, and school owners who obstruct vaccination teams or deny children access to immunisation, in line with Sections 13 and 14 of the Child Rights Act.

Following the briefing, advocacy visits were held across major mosques and churches, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

The visits, led by Dr. Fasawe, aimed to mobilise faith leaders to encourage participation within their congregations. Religious leaders, including Pastor Edwin Etomi of MFM Wuye International Headquarters and Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, commended the FCT Administration for its proactive approach to child health and called on parents to seize the opportunity to vaccinate their children.

Dr. Fasawe further stated that the campaign is inclusive, involving traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, community groups, NGOs, CSOs, and key partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

Parents turned out in large numbers during the outreach, with many appreciating the FCTA’s effort to make the exercise engaging through the distribution of toys, party packs, and gifts to children.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the Secretariat has identified non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters, while deploying 132 vaccination teams for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other partners.

Dr. Fasawe reaffirmed the Administration’s determination to achieve universal immunisation in the FCT, stressing that no child—whether in schools, worship centres, markets, or remote communities—will be left unprotected.