By Uzorigwe Gloria
The Wife of Ebonyi Gov, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has encouraged families to have their children vaccinated with Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine.
Nwifuru gave the encouragment on Monday, during an official inauguration of the State Measles/ Rubella Vaccination Campaign at Onuebonyi Primary school, Abakaliki.
She added that during the vaccination exercise, children across LGAs of the state, would be reached.
She appealed with mothers, fathers, grandparents, traditional rulers, women leaders, and religious leaders to ensure eligible children receive all recommended vaccinations at the right time, adding that early prevention is always better.
She charged all the chairpersons to support and monitor the vaccination exercise in their various Local Goverment Areas.
“Health workers will be present in primary health centres, general hospitals, and temporary vaccination posts in markets, churches, schools, and community squares.
“This is so, that no mother has to travel far to protect her child. And I want to charge all the chairpersons to support and monitor this vaccination exercise,” Nwifuru said.
She defined measles and rubella as diseases that causes serious illness, blindness, and even death, while rubella affects pregnant women, leading to miscarriage or children born with lifelong challenges.
She, however commended state officials hardwork as well as national and development partners for their tireless supports in implementing and interventions to the state.
She further stated that the campaign demonstrated commitment of the state government, led by her husband, Gov Francis Nwifuru to healthcare system and prioritise well-being of families.
The Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Philip Ovuba said that the vaccine would be administered to children aged nine months to 14 years.
Ovuba added that other intervention include human papilloma virus vaccine, routine immunisation.
He said,” after the campaign, we will do a catch-up to ensure children who missed out or not in the state after the vaccination campaign are captured.
“We will also include the MR into routine immunisation so that children within the age bracket can get access to the vaccine any time and free of charge to protect them against the disease.
The Commissionee for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma also called on parents, caregivers and other stakeholders to ensure the vaccination exercise is carried out smoothly.
Ekuma commended the governor and wife for their initiatives that promote maternal, newborn, and child health.
In their remarks, Dr Danladi Ndahi, Representative of the World Health Organisation and Frank Nwaodika representative of UNICEF while commending the state government commitment to healthcare, urged residents to avail their children for the vaccination exercise.