Measles & Rubella vaccine: FCTA laments deficit of 1.2m unimmunized children, threatens to seal non compliance schools 

By Wumi Tewogbadl, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, said out of 2.6 million that is the target, 1.6 million have been immunized and a deficit of 1.2 children unimmunized.

And she blamed the situation on some major private schools,  refusal to allow access of immunization officers to their children.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment, stated this while briefing media in Abuja.

Fasawe, lamented that those that are not compliying are denying such children their fundamental  rights and this is unacceptable.

And, FCT Health Insurance Scheme [FHIS] supported 600 vaccination teams in the six Area councils with reflective jackets.

She said  “However, while we celebrate this success, we must also confront the challenges that threaten the full realization of our campaign goals. It has come to our attention that several schools and institutions within the FCT refused access to vaccination teams.

“This non-compliance not only denied eligible children protection against measles and rubella but also disrupted the daily implementation plans of the campaign. Such actions are deeply concerning because they undermine public health gains and put our children at unnecessary risk.

“The Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003, as domesticated in the FCT, guarantees every child the right to health and protection from preventable diseases. Specifically, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act place a legal obligation on parents, guardians, and institutions — including schools — to ensure that every child is fully immunized.

“Denying a child access to vaccination is, therefore, not merely an administrative lapse; it is a violation of a fundamental child right”.

She also said for those schools who refused compliance, might be sanction and their schools can be sealed.

“Failure to comply with these directives will attract administrative sanctions under existing FCT Education and Public Health Regulations”, she noted.

She revealed that her secretariat have already started compliying the names of schools in Abuja, that refused to comply.

“In response to the current situation, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has taken the following actions:

Compiled a comprehensive list of non-compliant schools and institutions;

Initiated targeted advocacy and community sensitization activities;

Issued letters to affected schools reminding them of their legal responsibilities under the CRA; and

Finalized plans for a three-day mop-up exercise involving 132 vaccination teams to reach unvaccinated children across affected areas”, she noted.

In order  to strengthen enforcement and ensure sustainability, she said,  the  Administration has approved the following directives for all public and private schools:

Mandatory immunization verification during admission, re-admission, or transfer;

Maintenance of a Child Health Register in every school;

Collaboration with nearby Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) for on-site immunization sessions;

Regular inclusion of immunization awareness in school assemblies and PTA meetings; and

Submission of monthly compliance reports through the Education Secretariat to HSES.

She commended  the governing body of Stella Maris School, Abuja, for their full support of the ongoing immunization drive and their eagerness to welcome the vaccination team and being an example of compliance.

She therefore appealed  to all parents to ensure their children are allowed to be vaccinated in line with the Child Health Act at school. Immunization is safe, effective, and essential for protecting every child.