BY CHIKA KWAMBA
The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), in collaboration with its partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with media organisations to sensitise the public on the dangers of measles and rubella, as well as their prevention.
The initiative is part of preparations for the 2026 Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, scheduled to run from January 20 to 31, 2026, across the state’s 25 local government areas, targeting children aged nine months to 14 years.
The media orientation programme, held at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba, was well attended by key partners and stakeholders, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Addressing media delegates, the Executive Director of DSPHCDA, Dr Paul Yinkore, emphasised the crucial role of the media in reaching millions of people with accurate health information, while warning about the impact of climate change on disease outbreaks.
“As we go into the dry season, measles outbreaks may increase due to pollen in the air. When someone sneezes, millions of viruses are released and can easily spread infection.
“Measles is a serious viral infection that can lead to complications such as blindness, diarrhoea, cough, and pneumonia, which can be fatal if not prevented. Prevention is better than cure. If nothing is done, measles can have devastating consequences,” he said.
Dr Yinkore explained that the upcoming campaign would introduce the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine, noting that while a combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine exists globally, Nigeria has opted to introduce the measles–rubella vaccine at this stage.
He continued, “Children are expected to receive two doses, at nine months and 15 months, which provides lifelong immunity. The vaccine is injectable and will become part of the routine immunisation schedule after the campaign,” adding that the vaccine will be available at all Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the state.
Also speaking, the State Health Educator (SHE) of DSPHCDA, Dr Natalie Afebuamhe, presented an overview titled ‘Epidemiology of Measles and Rubella in Nigeria and MR Rollout in Delta State’. She noted that while measles is widely known, awareness of rubella remains low despite its serious complications.
“Measles and rubella can lead to pneumonia, blindness, deafness, and even death. Rubella infection in pregnant women can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome, leading to heart defects and other severe complications in newborns.
“Emphatically, these conditions are entirely preventable through vaccination. Delta State is among the states selected for the nationwide rollout of the vaccine. This campaign is a critical step toward halting the transmission of these two deadly diseases. After the campaign, the vaccine will remain a permanent part of routine immunisation in the state,” she said.
Earlier, partners of DSPHCDA, in separate goodwill messages, reiterated the importance of the media in public health advocacy, particularly in educating rural communities and addressing misinformation, myths, and misconceptions surrounding vaccination.
Those who spoke included the Director, Disease Control and Immunisation (DDCI), DSPHCDA, Dr Matthew Anibor; Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Pharm. Richard Ogide, State Technical Assistant, Measles–Rubella Vaccine Introduction, Osato Ogiemudia, Delta State Consultant, CHAN, David Onobrudu; UNICEF Health SBC Consultant, Mac-Fisi Kenneth; and Independent Consultant, CHAI, Ukar-Osuo Thomas.
