Imo LGA launches awareness drive against measles, rubella, TB

The Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has embarked on an awareness drive against measles, rubella, and tuberculosis in the rural areas.

The chairperson of the council Mrs. Precious Osigwe disclosed that the initiative is aimed to sensitise communities about the importance of vaccination and healthcare.

She expressed gratitude to the Imo State First Lady for her commitment to strengthening the health sector, emphasising the need for inclusive initiatives that support universal health coverage.

She said: “We need to improve health indices through inclusive initiatives that support universal health coverage”.

The Chairperson urged community women groups to take the vaccination message to their communities, ensuring maximum participation across the LGA.

She urged them to take the vaccination message to there communities to ensure maximum participation.

Speaking, the Head of Department for Health, Mrs. Calister Onyejieme, described measles and rubella as highly contagious viral diseases that can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and death.

She emphasised that the diseases are vaccine-preventable.

She said: “Measles and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases that can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and death. But the good news is that they are vaccine-preventable,” she said.

Mrs. Onyejieme assured the public of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, noting that it aligns with the state and federal government’s health agenda and is supported by partners including WHO and UNICEF.

The Executive Chairman of Owerri West LGA, Hon. Victor Osigwe, thanked the Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for his support in ensuring that no child is left out of the immunization campaign.

He also encouraged women to enroll in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme (ISHIS) to access healthcare.

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