Ebonyi Gov’s wife launches measles-rubella vaccine campaign

The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has launched a Measles-Rubella vaccine campaign in the state. The campaign aligns with the renewed hope initiative of the Wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

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At the inaugural ceremony on Monday in Abakaliki, Nwifuru stated that the campaign was another critical step by the state government to ensure the health and well-being of children.

She emphasised that measles and rubella remained significant public health threats, leading to severe complications such as blindness, pneumonia, brain infections, and even death.

However, she pointed out that both diseases were preventable through vaccination.

“Today, we are reaffirming our dedication to eliminating these diseases by ensuring that every eligible child in Ebonyi State receives this life-saving vaccine. I urge all parents and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their children to the nearest vaccination centre. We will continue to invest in immunisation programmes, primary healthcare services, and other health interventions to safeguard the future of our children,” she said.

The Surveillance Officer of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Danladi Ndahi, noted that the campaign was part of the immunisation agenda for 2030.

“The idea is to eliminate measles and rubella and work towards achieving the 2030 goal,” Ndahi said.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, described measles as a highly contagious disease that could be prevented through vaccination.

He also mentioned that the campaign and advocacy were preparations for the upcoming statewide measles-rubella immunisation in October 2025.

NAN/Wumi