The wife of the Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has officially launched a state-wide awareness and sensitization campaign for the Measles-Rubella vaccine in Asaba. The campaign aims to promote the inclusion of the vaccine as part of the National Programme on Immunization and ensure broad community engagement for its success.
Speaking at a well-attended flag-off event, Mrs. Oborevwori emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, parents, development partners, health workers, and the media to drive vaccine acceptance and access across the state.
She described the initiative, led by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, as timely and critical to reducing childhood illnesses. “The importance of this advocacy is to increase vaccine access and acceptability, particularly in underserved areas. This will ultimately lead to a significant reduction in cases of measles and rubella, and complications such as blindness, brain damage, and even death,” she said.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment under the MORE Agenda, Mrs. Oborevwori reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to the health and well-being of children. “Through effective immunization, we aim to drastically reduce childhood diseases and child mortality. This is our opportunity to protect our children, especially in rural communities,” she added.
Urging parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the vaccination services, she stressed that every child has a right to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. “The vaccines are safe, effective, and administered free of charge,” she noted.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, also addressed the audience, explaining that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is targeted at children between nine months and fifteen years. He warned about the high transmissibility of the virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets and can pose serious risks, especially to pregnant women.
“The measles-rubella virus is highly contagious and can be passed through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with nasal secretions. Pregnant women infected with the virus may transmit it to their unborn babies,” Dr. Onojaeme said.
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, and the NGO C-WINS delivered goodwill messages, pledging continued support for the campaign.
The event also featured a health talk on the Measles-Rubella vaccine and the investiture of Local Government Immunization Champions to drive grassroots mobilization.