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Flags Off Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
BY SUNNY EGDE/EVELYN ZORZOR/JUMAI NWACHUKWI/ JUDITH OBIANUA
Wife of the Delta State Governor, and Founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has urged parents, caregivers and community leaders to support ongoing Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, describing it as a vital step towards securing a healthier future for children in the state.
The First Lady made the call while officially flagging-off the exercise at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
She said the campaign, scheduled to run from January 31 to February 9, is aimed at protecting families from preventable diseases and promoting community wellbeing.
Speaking at the event, she noted that measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that can result in serious complications such as blindness, deafness and congenital rubella syndrome.
She stressed that vaccination remained the strongest line of defence against such illnesses.
According to her, “Children aged nine months to 14 years will receive the MR vaccine during the exercise, while routine immunisation will be provided for children aged zero to 23 months”.
She also disclosed that girls aged nine years would be given the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to safeguard their future health against cervical cancer.
In her words, “The initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises health security and inclusive development.
“The campaign as part of the administration’s vision to build a resilient and healthy Delta State”, she said.
The First Lady commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta Primary Health Care Development Agency, healthcare workers and development partners for their commitment to the programme.
She urged residents to cooperate with health personnel and ensure that eligible children are presented for vaccination.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, said primary healthcare remained the foundation of effective service delivery.
He noted that preventing the spread of communicable diseases was key to reducing health risks and healthcare costs.
Dr Emu said measles and rubella remain major global public health concerns, adding that Nigeria planned to vaccinate about 106 million people nationwide.
In Delta State, he said children aged nine months to 14 years were being targeted because of their vulnerability in schools and communal environments.
He described the campaign as evidence of the state government’s determination to take healthcare services to the grassroots.
“What we have done here today is the official flag-off of the exercise by Her Excellency, who is a champion of this programme. We will be reaching every nook and cranny of the state, including primary schools, traditional institutions and communities, to ensure full coverage,” he said.
The SSG added that a detailed timetable has been developed to monitor the exercise and ensure compliance. He stressed that the campaign is critical to the survival and wellbeing of children in the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Delta Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Paul Yinkori, explained that the MR vaccine is an upgrade of the existing measles vaccine, with the addition of protection against rubella.
He said the new formulation now offers combined protection against both diseases.
Dr Yinkori noted that measles and rubella share similar symptoms, including cough, catarrh, conjunctivitis, pneumonia and re spiratory distress, which could result in blindness or death if poorly managed.
He warned that rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women, as it can be transmitted to unborn babies, leading to congenital rubella syndrome. He said affected children may suffer heart defects, microcephaly, learning difficulties and other lifelong disabilities. “No Nigerian wants to have a child that will be permanently dependent due to preventable conditions,” he said.
Dr Yinkori urged parents and caregivers to present children between nine months and 14 years for the exercise. He assured that the vaccines are safe, free and will be administered only by trained health workers.
He added that vaccination points would be located in health facilities, schools, churches, playgrounds and other public places to ensure wide coverage across the state.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, health professionals and community representatives, who pledged their support for the success of the campaign.
