SSDC, NPHCDA Launch Regional Action Plan for Child Immunisation

By Ekanem ASUQUO 

The South South Development Commission (SSDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have unveiled a comprehensive action plan for the implementation of Phase II of the Integrated Measles Rubella and Child Health Vaccination Campaign across the South South region.

The campaign, scheduled to run from January 27 to February 13, 2026, is aimed at expanding access to essential, life saving vaccines and strengthening child health outcomes in the region.

The initiative will be jointly implemented under the leadership of the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, and the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, with the deployment of free, World Health Organization approved vaccines through an integrated outreach approach.

Vaccines and health interventions to be provided during the exercise include Measles Rubella, Polio, Routine Immunisation, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, as well as treatments targeting Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The campaign will cover Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Cross River states, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to improving primary healthcare delivery and safeguarding the health of children across the South South.

Officials from both organisations said the action plan builds on earlier engagements and reflects a coordinated regional effort to reduce vaccine preventable diseases, improve immunisation coverage and promote healthier communities.

They expressed optimism that the integrated approach would enhance participation, improve health indices and contribute significantly to child survival and development in the region.