VACCINATION: FCTA WARNS PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO GIVE ACCESS OR FACE PENALTIES

… Targets 2.6 million children

By: Wisdom Acka

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned private schools in the nation’s capital to allow immunization workers access for vaccination of children or face enforcement, including seal off of premises.

This is as the FCT Administration has disclosed that it is targeting not less than 2.6 million children across the Territory, adding that denial of  access  to the targeted population of 0 to six children will hinder intended goal.

Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Thursday 23rd, October, 2023, gave the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on sensitization of the public on the importance and necessity of vaccination to children.

She particularly warned private schools, saying they risk sanctions under existing public health and education regulations.

Dr. Fasawe, however, explained that the FCT Administration would, during the sensitization drive, exhaust all available channels to get compliance, warning that if such fails, the FCTA would resort to enforcement.

According to her, the possible enforcement is in accordance with provisions of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, which mandates full immunization as a legal obligation for every child.

She said: “Denying a child access to vaccination is not merely an administrative lapse, it is a violation of a fundamental child right. Sections 13 and 14 of the CRA place a clear responsibility on parents, guardians, and institutions to ensure no child is left unprotected from preventable diseases.”

The Secretary further stated that the decision follows reports that several schools refused access to vaccination teams during the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign, disrupting field activities and denying many eligible pupils vital protection.

She commended the progress made in the vaccination exercise, which has successfully covered most of the target population through the combined efforts of the FCTA, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners.

Dr. Fasawe noted that the FCT introduced an innovative approach to drive uptake by linking immunization to health insurance enrollment.

The FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), she said, also supported over 600 vaccination teams across the six area councils with reflective jackets and logistical backing.

However, to address the issue of non-compliance, she said the secretariat has compiled a list of erring schools and initiated targeted advocacy and sensitization efforts.

Adding that letters have been issued to affected institutions, while a three-day mop-up campaign involving 132 vaccination teams will be conducted to reach unvaccinated children.

She also disclosed that the Administration has approved new directives requiring, mandatory immunization verification for admission, re-admission, and transfer of pupils, maintenance of Child Health Registers in all schools, collaboration with nearby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for on-site vaccination sessions, Regular immunization awareness at assemblies and PTA meetings, and Monthly compliance reports to be submitted through the Education Secretariat to the Health Secretariat.

Fasawe also acknowledged the cooperation of Stella Maris School, Abuja, for “setting a positive example” by supporting vaccination teams during the campaign. She appealed to other school owners and parents to emulate such compliance.

“Immunization is safe, effective, and essential for protecting every child. It is a collective responsibility, a legal duty, it is a moral imperative. Together, we can ensure that no child in the FCT is denied protection from preventable diseases”, she said.

Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, in her remarks, gave assurance of the safety of the vaccines.

“The vaccines are safe, they will not kill our children, they are to save for lives,” she stated, calling on every individual and group to spread the message for the good health of our children today and their future.