Mrs Soludo flags off measles-rubbela vaccination programme in Anambra

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By Madu Obi

The wife of the Anambra State governor ,Dr.Nonye Soludo, has flagged off the two - week measles-rubbela vaccination in the state.

The flag-off ceremony, which took place at Iruzu Primary Health Centre, Ukpo, Dunukofia local government area, officially marked the state-wide administration of the vaccines to children between the ages of mine months and 14 years across the state.

The measles-rubbela vaccine introduction campaign in Anambra State is being carried out in partnership with national and global partners, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, and other key counterparts.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Mrs Soludo, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Lady Oluchi Ibezim, stated that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect Anambra children, quietly, safely, and, most importantly, early in their lives .

She noted that some children may have mild reactions after vaccination; a little fever, slight swelling, assuring, however, that while those signs would pass quickly, what should concern parents more is allowing the preventable disease to take hold.

She also reassured parents and caregivers that health workers who would be taking part in the exercise were properly trained and prepared for the task, adding that support systems and referral sites have been effectively put in place to deal with any concern.

The governor's wife also appealed to stakeholders, including parents, local government mayors, schools, and religious leaders, to assist in making the programme a success by ensuring that over 98% of children in Anambra State are vaccinated.

In his remarks, the Zonal Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Samuel Obasi, noted that measles and rubbela remain one of the major threats to child health in Nigeria, but with the state's government strong commitment to health, there is assurance that the vaccination programme will achieve massive success.

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr. Chimuanya Igboekwu explained that measles and rubella share almost the same symptoms, making individual vaccinations for the sicknesses incomplete without covering both.

He assured that the WHO and other partners are solidly behind the state government to ensure full coverage in all the 326 wards in Anambra State, targeting about 2.7 million children across markets, churches, schools, worship places and even hard-to-reach communities in the state.

In their remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, Dr Afam Obidike and the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, explained that adequate monitoring and supervision have already been put in place to ensure that all stakeholders are effectively mobilized to achieve maximum coverage of the programme.