Ebonyi First Lady Flags Off Measles-Rubella Vaccine Campaign

By Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi

The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru on Monday, flagged-off the Measle-Rubella Vaccine campaign in the state.

She said the campaign which aligns with the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and BERWO Foundation, which focuses on improving healthcare access and ensuring no child is left behind, aims to ensure every eligible child in Ebonyi State receives this life-saving vaccine.

At the event, held at the Women Development Center on February 17, 2025, Nwifuru said marks a crucial step in the state’s commitment to eliminating measles-rubella.

The first Lady said that MeaslesRubella remain serious public health threats, causing severe complications such as blindness, pneumonia, brain infections, and even death.

She said the diseases could be preventable through vaccination.

“Todays, 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 centers.

“We will continue to invest in immunization programs, primary healthcare services, and other health interventions to safeguard the future of our children.

The Surveillance Officer of the World Health Organisation, Dr Danladi Ndahi stated that the campaign is keying into the immunization agenda of 2030.

“The Idea is just to eliminate measle-rubella and see how we can reach the goal of 2030,” Ndahi said.

In his remarks, Dr Moses Ekuma, described measle as a highly contagious disease that could be preventable through vaccine.

Ekuma stated that the campaign and advocacy are in preparation for the forthcoming state wide measle-rubella immunisation in October 20.

Highlight of the event was an awareness road walk to sensitize the people on the mass vaccination campaign, health talks by key resource persons.