...First Lady Kicks Off Vaccine Awareness Campaign
By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Government is taking proactive measures to safeguard its youth, specifically those aged nine months to 15 years, from severe illnesses like measles and rubella.
In collaboration with the ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and various donor organizations, the state has initiated the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV) Advocacy Rollout.
The campaign was inaugurated by Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of the State Governor, during an event held yesterday at Unity Hall in the Government House, Asaba.
During the launch of the MRV advocacy in Asaba, Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized the campaign’s goal to enhance access to vaccinations and boost community acceptance, particularly in regions with low immunization rates.
She stressed the importance of minimizing the incidence of measles, rubella, and their associated health complications in children.
“The MORE Agenda, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership, prioritizes the health of all residents, aiming to significantly reduce childhood diseases and mortality rates through effective vaccination,” she stated.
She urged all parents and caregivers to utilize the vaccination services offered, noting that every child has the right to receive vaccinations to prevent diseases. “The vaccines are safe, effective, save lives, and are provided at no cost,” she added.
Deaconess Oborevwori also called upon local stakeholders to support the immunization initiative in their communities, ensuring they provide necessary logistics and assistance.
She encouraged traditional leaders, religious figures, and other influential persons to play active roles in promoting the campaign’s success.
Earlier, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Commissioner for Health, highlighted the high transmissibility of measles and rubella through respiratory droplets, warning of serious complications like pneumonia and potential fatalities associated with measles.
The Health Commissioner expressed gratitude to both state and federal governments for their commitment to the health security of Delta residents, noting that immunization efforts would be conducted across all 441 health centers in the state. He also reassured the public by debunking myths surrounding vaccine safety.
The event featured supportive messages from representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), among other partners.
Notable attendees included the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme; members of the State House of Assembly; State Executive Council members; and various leadership figures from local governments and religious organizations.
