Port Harcourt, Rivers State – April 9, 2025 – A significant public health initiative, the third iteration of the Big Catch-Up Vaccination campaign, is set to roll out across 11 designated Local Government Areas (LGAs) from April 11th to April 16th, 2025.
This crucial campaign, details of which were unveiled to the press today at a briefing held at the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, RSPHCMB, underscores the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health of young children and adolescent girls within the state.
Africa Update reports that the campaign is strategically designed to significantly enhance community immunity by targeting two key demographics. Firstly, it aims to reach children aged 0–5 years, particularly those who have not completed their routine immunization schedules.
This proactive measure seeks to close existing immunization gaps, thereby offering robust protection against a spectrum of potentially fatal childhood diseases.
Secondly, the Big Catch-Up 3 will extend vital preventative care to adolescent girls, offering the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPVV) to 9-year-olds. This intervention is a critical step in the primary prevention of cervical cancer, a significant health concern for women globally.
The comprehensive vaccination drive will administer essential immunizations against a range of debilitating and life-threatening conditions, including pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis, pneumonia, tetanus, and poliomyelitis. These vaccines are recognised as fundamental tools in public health, providing a robust defense against infectious diseases.
Health authorities are issuing a strong call to action for all parents, caregivers, and guardians residing within the 11 targeted LGAs. They are urged to visit their nearest primary healthcare facility or designated vaccination points during the campaign period.
This initiative jointly powered by RSPHCMB, UNICEF, World Health Organisation, WHO, presents an unparalleled opportunity to proactively protect the health and secure the future well-being of their children and wards.
Speaking at the press briefing, State Immunization Officer, RSPHCMB, Dr. Urang, emphasised the profound impact of vaccination: “The simple act of immunization today is an investment in a healthier tomorrow for our children. By participating in the Big Catch-Up campaign, families are not only protecting their own children but also contributing to the overall health and resilience of our communities. We implore all eligible individuals to seize this vital opportunity.”
Recall that the The “Big Catch-Up” is a global initiative, launched in April 2023, aimed at restoring immunization coverage that declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly targeting children who missed routine vaccines.
