The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat, has intensified advocacy and field operations across Abuja to ensure every child is protected from preventable diseases.

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

According to the statement, the campaign began on Thursday with a press briefing aimed at sensitising residents about the ongoing Measles-Rubella Immunisation Campaign under the Child Rights Act of 2003.

Dr. Fasawe stressed the importance of compliance, describing immunisation in the FCT as free, safe, and effective. She urged parents and guardians not to allow ignorance or misinformation to hinder vaccination, assuring residents of the safety of the vaccines.

She further disclosed that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for every fully vaccinated child in public schools across the Territory. The statement also noted that the Administration has begun enforcing laws against non-compliance or obstruction of vaccination teams, warning that violators—including parents and school proprietors—will face sanctions under the Child Rights Act.

Citing Sections 13 and 14 of the Act, Fasawe explained that parents, guardians, and institutions are legally required to ensure every child is fully immunised, noting that denying a child access to vaccines amounts to a violation of their right to health and protection.

Following the media briefing, advocacy visits began on Friday to mosques and Islamic centres across Abuja, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation. The outreach continued on Sunday with visits to major churches such as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Evangelical Church Winning All, and Christ Holy Church International.

Led by Dr. Fasawe, the visits formed part of a broader sensitisation campaign to ensure that no child—whether in schools, churches, mosques, markets, or playgrounds—is left unprotected.

At the same time, other FCTA immunisation teams were deployed across districts, communities, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure full coverage.

During the outreach, Pastor Edwin Etomi, Regional Overseer of MFM Wuye International Headquarters, commended the FCT Minister for his proactive approach to child health. Similarly, Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, praised the renewed campaign and encouraged parents to vaccinate their children to secure their future.

Fasawe explained that the ongoing campaign is inclusive, involving traditional rulers, religious institutions, community groups, NGOs, civil society organisations, and partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

She added that the Secretariat’s teams have reached deep into various parts of the FCT, where parents turned out in large numbers to immunise their children. Gifts and party packs were distributed to encourage participation.

To achieve total compliance, Fasawe revealed that non-compliant schools have been identified and issued reminder letters, while 132 vaccination teams have been mobilised for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other stakeholders.