The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enlisted the support of religious leaders in the capital city to tackle vaccination non-compliance and ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.
The campaign was launched on Thursday at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, where the Mandate Secretary, Adedolapo Fasawe, reiterated that vaccination within the FCT is free, safe, effective and essential to secure the future of every child.
He stressed that ignorance or misinformation should never be an excuse for non-compliance. “We will continue to educate our people and reassure them about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines,” he said.
Fasawe further revealed that FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved free enrollment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every fully vaccinated child in public schools across the region.
He said the administration has also begun enforcing relevant legal provisions to deal with non-compliance or obstruction of vaccination teams, warning that violators, including parents and school owners, will face sanctions in line with the Child Rights Act.
According to him, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act oblige parents, guardians and institutions to ensure that every child is fully vaccinated, noting that denying such access is a violation of the child's right to health and safety.
Field advocacy trips began on Friday, targeting mosques and Islamic centers across Abuja, including the Ansar-ud-Din Society and Al-Habibiyah Islamic Foundation, he said. The exercise continued on Sunday with visits to major churches such as Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.
The advocacy tours, led by Fasawe, were part of a broader citywide sensitization campaign aimed at ensuring that no child, whether in school, church, mosque, market or playground, is left vulnerable to preventable diseases.
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During the outreach, the Senior Pastor and Regional Supervisor of MFM Vue International Headquarters, Edwin Etomi, commended the FCT Minister for his active commitment to child health and grassroots engagement.
Similarly, Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, lauded the new efforts of the administration and urged parents to take advantage of the campaign, stressing that vaccination helps secure the future of every child.
