The Vaccines Uptake Walkathon was organized by Care and Development Centre in partnership with the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)including CHHELD. The event formed part of the ongoing efforts to address the significant decline in vaccination rates recorded across Nigeria since after COVID-19 pandemic and to promote uptake of vaccines and demystifying myths and misconceptions about vaccines.
Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective strategies for preventing life threatening diseases such as measles, polio, hepatitis, and other vaccine-preventable infections. With recent data indicating reduced uptake of routine immunization services, the activity sought to promote public engagement and strengthen community confidence in vaccines.
During the event, advocates engaged in awareness walk in the major streets of Port Harcourt, distributing informational materials and interacting with the people. The activities included;
-Free vaccination for children, enabling early protection against preventable childhood diseases.
-On-site counselling for adults, offering accurate information and addressing fears, myths, and misconceptions around vaccines.
-Public health education focused on restoring trust in routine immunization services
Overall, the walkathon helped amplify the message that vaccines save lives and that every child deserves the protection that vaccination provides. The walkathon brought together community stakeholders, health care practitioners, CSOs and the media to raise awareness on the importance of routine immunization.
The walkathon sensitized the public on the benefits of immunization, counter misinformation and myths associated with vaccines, provide direct access to vaccination and health counselling. This activity increased visibility for immunization programs and reinforced the message that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for safeguarding public health
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