Wife of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has raised concerns over Anambra State’s low immunization rate, urging mothers to prioritize their children’s health through vaccination.
Speaking at the Mothers’ Wellness Summit in Awka, hosted by Women Initiative for Greater Anambra (WIGA) in partnership with Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, she emphasized that healthy children bring peace of mind and reduce financial stress.
The initiative promotes maternal health awareness and family nutrition.
Mrs. Soludo highlighted the crucial role mothers play in families and communities, stressing the need to improve maternal and child health.
WIGA convener, Mrs. Amaka Obi, expressed gratitude to Dr. Soludo and urged mothers to raise awareness about healthy living.
Representing Dr. Bonos Mohammed, Anambra Coordinator for the World Health Organization, Dr. Hope Igbonagwam revealed that the state’s Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination will begin in September 2025.
He emphasized its role in preventing Congenital Rubella Syndrome and measles, aiming to reduce cases to one per million by 2030.
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“Annually, about 10,000 Nigerian children are born with Congenital Rubella Syndrome,” he noted. “Measles can cause severe complications like pneumonia and brain swelling. Vaccination for children aged nine months to 14 years is crucial and backed by over 50 years of global research.”
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reassured attendees that immunizations are free in all state health facilities and urged mothers to report any exploitation by healthcare workers.
Chief of Staff to the Governor and WIGA Board Chairman, Ernest Ezeajughi, emphasized healthy eating and guiding children away from crime, stressing that maintaining a sanitized state requires collective effort.
Guest speaker and gynecologist, Prof. Joseph Adinma, commended Dr. Soludo’s commitment to maternal and child health.
He urged mothers to visit wellness clinics and budget early for childbirth, noting that even small savings can ease delivery costs.
He also praised Governor Soludo for providing free antenatal and delivery services.
Similarly, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, called on women to support Dr. Soludo’s efforts to combat domestic violence and assist abuse survivors, stressing collective action for a safer environment for women and children.
