The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo has affirmed the importance of routine vaccination in the prevention and transmission of diseases across the state.
Mrs Soludo made the assertion during an awareness and advocacy stakeholders engagement meeting for the measles and rubella vaccine introduction in the state, held at the governor’s lodge Amawbia -Awka on Thursday.
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She said these were diseases which could also lead to adverse outcomes such as blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis if not prevented and treated early.
The governor’s wife also during the meeting distributed another phase of Nonye’s Healthy Pap to Healthcare facilities across the state.
She said, “I am deeply honoured to stand before you today for these two very important events — the inauguration of the Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Advocacy in Anambra State and another distribution phase of Nonye’s Healthy Pap. These two programmes are unique because they look out for the health, growth, and welfare of our children.
“As a mother, a woman, and a public health advocate, I am particularly moved by the significance of what we’ve all gathered here to identify with. It marks a critical step forward in our collective effort to protect our children, the future of our dear state from preventable diseases.
“Measles and rubella are highly contagious viral infections that have led to unnecessary suffering, complications, and even deaths among our children. With the introduction of this combined vaccine, we now have a powerful tool to change that narrative — to reduce childhood mortality, prevent long-term disabilities, and secure the health of future generations.
“The Healthy Living Pap, on the other hand, has proven to be another great intervention that has changed the nutritional history of Anambra State. I’m happy to describe this one as a solid milestone – one that will be remembered by humanity and time. Of course, we wouldn’t have achieved the results without the efforts of our dedicated health workers who ensured that the product got to the right persons. Thank you so much for your efforts and resilience.
“We do not need to go over the whole details again. The documentary that we just watched provided a thorough assessment and insight into our whole journey. While I’m glad that we’ve recorded significant results in the process, I wish to appeal that we build on the current tempo and push more to cover more grounds. We have not active a comprehensive result if there are still children out there who need this supplement but have not gotten it. No child should die out of malnutrition in Anambra State when we can do something.
“For the Measles-Rubella advocacy, on the other hand, it’s imperative to know that it’s not just about administering vaccines. It is about building trust, spreading awareness, and ensuring that every parent, caregiver, and community leader understands the importance of immunization.
“As the wife of the governor, I pledge my full support to this noble initiative. I call on parents, guardians, caregivers, community and religious leaders, and all other stakeholders in Anambra State to join hands with us. Let us mobilize our communities. Let us protect our children. Let us say yes to vaccines and no to preventable diseases.”
The event also have in attendance, representatives of World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Social Mobilization Officers,, LGA’s Health Supervisors, the Traditional ruler of Aguleri community, Igwe Michael Idigo, his Ifitedunu counterpart, Igwe Emeka Ilouno, State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, among others.
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