Niger First Lady flags-off sensitization campaign on measles rubella vaccine
By Our Reporter.
The Wife of Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago has flagged off sensitization campaign on measles rubella vaccine and midwives scrub and kits in the state.
She disclosed that measles rubella vaccine which would be launched in the country in October, aimed to reduce childhood illnesses and maternal deaths.
She explained that health was a shared responsibility, adding that the campaign was a vital step in government commitment to reducing childhood illnesses and maternal deaths.
“The fight against vaccine preventable diseases requires unity, governmentz 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 nine months to fourteen years is vaccinated.
She said the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasis 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 Measles Rubella Vaccine, said over the years many children had died from complications from measles rubella in Nigeria.
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 of Primary Healthcare in Niger State said the 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 which 409 cases and 13 death have been recorded and was providing free treatment for free.
