Niger gov’s wife flags off sensitisation campaign on measles rubella vaccine

The Wife of Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, has flagged off a sensitisation campaign on the measles rubella vaccine and the distribution of midwives’ scrubs and kits in the state.

She disclosed that the measles rubella vaccine, which would be launched in the country in October, is aimed at reducing childhood illnesses and maternal deaths.

She explained that health is a shared responsibility, adding that the campaign was a vital step in the government’s commitment to reducing childhood illnesses and maternal deaths.

“The fight against vaccine preventable diseases requires unity, government’s health workers, traditional leaders, families and communities all have a role to play,” she said.

The First Lady reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum to protecting children under five through timely immunisation.

She urged everyone to serve as ambassadors for the awareness and uptake of the measles rubella vaccine and called on wives of local government chairmen to lead sensitisation in their communities and raise awareness at the grassroots.

According to her, they will engage families, visit health centres, and ensure every eligible child aged nine months to fourteen years is vaccinated.

She said the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that the vaccine, which prevents mother-to-child disease, is safe for children.

She added that the event was also to mark the Renewed Hope Initiative of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his remarks, Dr Isah Vatsa, North Central Coordinator and Consultant for the Measles Rubella Vaccine, said over the years, many children had died from complications of measles rubella in Nigeria.

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He explained that the measles rubella vaccine would protect children from complications such as blindness, deafness, diarrhoea and death.

“The vaccine will be among other vaccines to be given during routine immunisation to prevent children from complications,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger State, said the state was providing counterpart funding of N1.6 billion to vaccinate 3 million children against measles rubella.

He said the vaccine was effective, safe, and free, and appealed to parents not to deny their children the vaccine.

Ibrahim, however, disclosed that the state was containing the spread of cholera, for which 409 cases and 13 deaths have been recorded, and was providing free treatment.

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