- Rallies LG Chairmen, Trad Rulers, PGs On Mass Mobilisation
BY PATRICK MGBODO
THE Delta State Government is set to launch a statewide measles–rubella immunisation campaign as part of efforts to eradicate the diseases and strengthen the health and well-being of citizens across the state.
On this premise, the state government has directed all local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and presidents-general of communities to sensitise and mobilise their residents to embrace and support the upcoming immunisation campaign.
The decision followed a renewed partnership between the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (DSPHCDA) and the Ministry of Information in preparation for the upcoming vaccination drive.
Addressing the delegation from the DSPHDA, who paid him a courtesy visit, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, assured them of the needed support for the success of the programme through an extensive media reach to the grassroots.
Remarking, the Executive Director or DSPHCDA, Dr Paul Yinkore, thanked the information commissioner and the ministry for the support it had rendered towards the success of previous immunisation campaigns in the state.
He explained that the upcoming measles-rubella vaccination would involve children from nine months old, stressing that the campaign targets 42 per cent of the state’s population, which translates to an estimated three million people.
‘’Why do we need advocacy? It is so that our traditional rulers, schools, and churches will be open to us within this period’’ he said, adding that the campaign was in line with achieving universal health coverage.
Similarly, the state Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Ibrahim Salisu, pledged the commitment of the WHO and its partners in supporting the state government to strengthen the immunisation system and achieve universal health coverage.
Earlier, the state Health Educator (DSPHCDA), Dr Natalie Afebuamhe, explained measles as a viral infectious disease that affects children majorly, adding that the symptoms include coryza, conjunctivitis, and cough, as well as hot body temperature and rashes.
‘’The symptoms look very simple, but we are bothered because of the complications they can cause. The complications include pneumonia, brain underdevelopment, blindness, deafness and even death. These are the things we are trying to avoid’’ she said.
Dr Afebuamhe also explained that though the symptoms of rubella might be milder than measles, it can affect pregnant women and cause the congenital rubella syndrome with severe consequences for the fetus.
‘’All these can be prevented simply by taking the vaccine. If children around that pregnant woman are protected, they cannot transmit it to her, and we will not see cases of congenital rubella syndrome.
‘’Because of this situation, the state government and our development partners came together and decided to give the two-in-one shot to our children aged nine months to 14 years, so that we can cover a large population of our children.
‘’We will be doing this from January 31, 2026, to February 9, 2026. Because of the large population we will be working with, we will need a lot more awareness and sensitisation,’’ she said.
