FCTA To Begin Enforcement Of Child Immunisation In Schools

A Bold Step Toward Safeguarding Children’s Health in Abuja

In a decisive move to bolster public health and uphold the rights of children, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the commencement of strict enforcement of child immunisation across schools in Abuja.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) under the leadership of Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, marks a significant shift in policy, one that places the health of children at the forefront of educational access.

The enforcement comes in response to troubling reports that several schools within the FCT have denied vaccination teams entry during the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign.

Such actions, according to Dr. Fasawe, are not merely administrative oversights but direct violations of the Child Rights Act of 2003. The Act mandates full immunisation as a legal obligation, and any obstruction is now being treated as a breach of fundamental child rights.

Under the new directive, immunisation will be a prerequisite for school admission, re-admission, and transfers. Schools are expected to maintain a Child Health Register, collaborate with nearby Primary Healthcare Centres for on-site vaccinations, and submit monthly compliance reports. This integrated approach aims to ensure that no child is left vulnerable to preventable diseases due to institutional negligence or misinformation.

The FCTA’s stance is both timely and necessary. In an era where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation threaten public health gains, enforcing immunisation in schools sends a clear message: the well-being of children is non-negotiable. It also reinforces the role of educational institutions as partners in public health, not obstacles.

While some may view this policy as heavy-handed, it is important to recognize the broader implications. Immunisation is not just a medical intervention, it is a social contract. By ensuring that every child receives the protection they deserve, the FCTA is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient generation.

This initiative also calls for greater public awareness and cooperation. Parents, educators, and community leaders must rally behind the cause, understanding that immunisation is a shared responsibility. The success of this policy will depend not only on enforcement but on collective commitment to safeguarding the future of Abuja’s children.

In sum, the FCTA’s decision to enforce child immunisation in schools is a commendable stride toward public health equity. It affirms that in the Federal Capital Territory, the rights of children to live healthy, protected lives are not just ideals, they are enforceable realities.