Health Minister Rebut Military's Immunization Exercise

Nigeria’s Health Authorities have debunked claims that it is presently partnering with the Military to carry out any scheduled immunisation exercise anywhere in the country.

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Mrs. Boade Akinola described the news making the rounds that the military is involved in immunising children in some States “as malicious and mischievous”.

Although the Nigeria Army General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abubakar, explained that the free medical exercise embarked upon in the South -East was part of Operation Python Dance II he said,  it was an exercise to give free health checks to those who voluntarily wish to access it.

Abubakar reportedly said the military was not forcing anyone to take the free treatment which was carried out in Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu States.

The Minister denied that there was no iota of truth in the claim about vaccination of School children and called on members of the public to remain calm as government is committed to the wellbeing of Nigerians wherever they live.

According to Adewole, “the Military does not vaccinate or participate in vaccine exercise in any part of the country except two Local Government Areas in Borno State at the invitation of the Federal Ministry of Health to assist in reaching the inaccessible areas due to security challenges”.

He noted that any vaccination by government Agency would be done in conjunction with States and Local governments.

“In addition, necessary awareness will be created through advocacy and community mobilization before such vaccination or immunization exercise is embarked upon”, said Adewole.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the rumour and go about their legitimate and normal daily activities without fear or any apprehension.