Gov Nwifuru’s wife flag-off Measles vaccination campaign in Ebonyi
*Assures residents of safety for children
By Judith Eze
The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has flagged off the 2023 measles vaccination campaign exercise in the state.
Mrs Nwifuru during the vaccination which took place at iboko in Izzi Local Government Area of the state assured residents of the state that tvaccines provided for Measles Campaign exercise are safe, effective, and proven to protect children from the scourge.
She described measles as disease that has continued to pose threat to children’s health.
She maintained that Immunisation was key and the campaign, a vehicle to a brighter and healthier future.
“Immunisation exercise is an initiative that holds the power to protect our children, give values to life and transform their futures
“Our duty as parents, caregivers, responsible citizens and government to take actions and ensure that our children are protected from this devastating illness.
“Success of this campaign relies on your participation. Parents and caregivers, I urge you to bring out your children for vaccination,” Mrs Nwifuru said.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs Patricia Obila, pleaded that the exercise should be given top priority, adding that the state government was committed to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the exercise.
Obila encouraged all local government stakeholders, especially the chairmen to ensure a successful outcome of the campaign in the state.
She enjoined the support of community leaders in facilitating community participation and mobilisation of children and eligible adults for the vaccination campaign.
Mrs Vivian Ibe, State Coordinator World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed that the state had so far, recorded over 10 cases of measles in 2023.
Ibe stressed the need for all to take advantage of the vaccination exercise as a priority to protect children from the burden.
“Every 1 out of 20 children that suffered measles come out with pneumonia which is also life threatening.
“So, i encourage parents, caregivers and all stakeholders that the vaccine is important and we should protect our children from the scourage,” Ibe said.
She commended the state government for the exercise and appreciated other partners and UN agencies in the state.
Mr Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health in the state, said hat the vaccination is compulsory.
Ekuma added that the vaccination is not optional but an offense when children are not immunised.
He said the vaccine is for children between 09 to 59 months.
He commended partners, Governor Francis Nwifuru and wife for making the exercise a reality.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr Moses Ogodoali-nome, ALGON Chairman promised to reach out to difficult areas in the rural communities.
“We will continue to support the the programme to ensure children are immunised and protect them from the disease.
“Hard-to-reach areas must be reached and we will not relent in doing every thing possible to ensure a successful outcome,”Ogodoali-nome.
Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, Commissioner for Aviation and Mr Steven Nwankpa, Izzi Council boss, said that the Governor’s commitment to make impact on wellbeing of people,” speaks volume”.
“We are prepared to support the programme,” they said.
Mrs Nwifuru kicked off the campaign exercise against measles by immunizing children of the said age.
