morganable News / Communities
Anambra State has called on local government leaders to strengthen routine immunisation and improve access to basic healthcare, especially in underserved communities.
Lagos —
Anambra State wants local government authorities to do more to improve immunisation and primary healthcare services across the state.
The government made the call during a meeting in Awka on October 19, 2026. The meeting brought together local government mayors, health officials and development partners to discuss ways to improve vaccination and healthcare delivery.
The goal is simple: more children should receive their recommended vaccines, and more residents should have access to basic medical care.
Government Calls for Stronger Action
The state government urged local council leaders to take greater responsibility for immunisation programmes.
Health Commissioner Dr Afam Obidike said local governments must provide the support needed to help vaccination teams reach more children.
This support includes better planning, coordination and access to the resources required for their work.
Local governments play an important role because they are closer to the communities they serve. They can identify areas where healthcare services are limited and work with health officials to address those gaps.
However, progress depends on more than issuing directives. Authorities must ensure that health workers have the tools and support they need to carry out their duties.
Why Immunisation Matters
Routine immunisation protects children against several preventable diseases.
Yet some families face challenges when trying to access vaccination services. These include transport costs, long distances to health facilities and a lack of information about vaccination schedules.
Such barriers can make it difficult for parents to complete their children’s recommended vaccinations.
To address these challenges, health workers need to reach families with accurate information. They must also ensure that vaccines and other necessary supplies are available when residents visit health facilities.
Community leaders can support this effort by encouraging parents to take their children for vaccination and helping health workers communicate with residents.
Clear information is particularly important when families have questions about vaccine safety or schedules. Parents should be able to receive reliable answers from qualified health professionals.
Officials Review Healthcare Services
The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency organised the meeting with the state Ministry of Health and development partners.
Participants reviewed immunisation and primary healthcare performance across the state’s 21 local government areas.
They also discussed gaps in service delivery, disease surveillance and emergency response.
These discussions can help officials identify communities that need more attention. However, identifying problems is only the first step. Authorities must follow up with practical action.
For example, councils may need to improve support for vaccination teams, monitor health facilities more closely or strengthen communication with residents.
The meeting also focused on improving local government task forces responsible for primary healthcare and immunisation.
Better coordination among these groups could help ensure that available resources reach the communities that need them most.
Health Centres Need Consistent Support
Primary healthcare centres are often the first place residents visit when they need medical attention.
They provide essential services, including preventive care, health education and basic treatment. Some also offer vaccination services and refer patients to larger hospitals when necessary.
However, these facilities cannot serve residents effectively without adequate staff, equipment and medical supplies.
Local authorities therefore need to pay attention to the daily challenges facing health workers.
Regular supervision can help officials determine whether facilities are operating properly and whether residents can access the services available to them.
Community feedback is equally important. Residents can help identify problems such as long waiting times, difficulties reaching facilities or a lack of information about available services.
When authorities listen to these concerns, they can make better decisions about where support is most needed.
Communities Have a Role to Play
Government action alone may not be enough to improve immunisation coverage.
Parents also need to keep track of their children’s vaccination schedules and seek advice from qualified health workers when necessary.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups can help spread accurate health information. They can also encourage families to use available healthcare services.
At the same time, health officials must treat residents respectfully and answer their questions clearly.
Trust matters in public health. When people understand the benefits of vaccination and know where to obtain reliable information, they can make informed decisions about their families’ health.
Community engagement can also help officials reach households that might otherwise miss important health services.
Turning Plans Into Results
Anambra’s call for stronger local government involvement highlights the need to improve healthcare at the grassroots level.
However, residents will judge the initiative by the results it produces.
These include better access to vaccination, stronger support for health workers and fewer barriers for families seeking basic medical care.
Authorities will also need to monitor progress to determine whether more eligible children are receiving their recommended vaccines.
For parents, improved immunisation services can offer greater protection against preventable diseases. For communities, stronger primary healthcare can make essential services easier to access.
The next step is to turn the commitments made at the meeting into practical action.
With consistent support from local governments, health workers and community leaders, Anambra can work towards a healthcare system that serves residents more effectively.
Monitoring Progress
Local governments will also need to monitor progress to ensure that immunisation services reach more families.
Health officials can track vaccination records, identify children who have missed their vaccines and organise follow-up visits where necessary.
They should also listen to residents and address challenges that prevent families from accessing healthcare.
With proper planning, regular supervision and community support, Anambra can improve vaccination coverage and make primary healthcare more accessible to residents.
The success of the initiative will depend on how well local authorities turn their commitments into lasting improvements.
