By Charles Nwoke :
Ebonyi State Governor’s wife, Mrs Mary-Maudlin Ogbonna Nwifuru, Monday, launched a sensitisation campaign against measles and rubella. The campaign aims to raise awareness ahead of the state’s massive vaccination exercise set for October 25.
Speaking at the Women Development Centre in Abakaliki, Mrs Nwifuru said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She stressed the importance of immunisation in preventing measles and rubella, urging parents to ensure their children receive the vaccines.
“Today marks a significant step in our awareness efforts. The government will continue to invest in immunisation, and all appointees must ensure the campaign succeeds,” she said.
Mrs Nwifuru highlighted the use of radio, television, community engagement, and health workers to spread the message to grassroots communities. She reassured parents that vaccines save lives, urging them to visit the nearest vaccination centre.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, said early sensitisation would help address vaccine hesitancy. He noted that some parents refuse vaccines due to a lack of prior awareness.
“We do not want a single measles case in Ebonyi. It is a deadly but preventable disease. Mass vaccination will begin in October,” he said.
Dr Elandi Dadi, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Surveillance Officer, reported a steady decline in measles cases due to past campaigns. He revealed that suspected cases dropped from 322 in 2022 to 86 in 2024, with only one confirmed case this year.
“The WHO’s 2023-2030 strategy aims to eradicate measles. The figures show we are making progress,” he said.
Dr Ndidiamaka Lilian Nwaobashi, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, advised mothers and caregivers to report symptoms early. She listed high fever, rashes, cough, catarrh, and red eyes as major signs of measles.
Ebonyi State Immunisation Officer, Mr Nwodom Christopher, said the state targets vaccinating 352,000 children aged nine to 15 months. He explained that sensitisation would continue at all levels before full implementation in October 2025.
The Federal Government has designated October for the nationwide vaccination of children between five and 15 months against measles and rubella.
