Rivers State Authorities has introduced the graduation of a mass measles vaccination marketing campaign, concentrating on youngsters aged 9 months to beneath 5 years.
The marketing campaign, scheduled to run from October 12 to 18, with a mop-up train on October 19-20, aimed to guard the state’s youngest residents from the extremely contagious illness.
Based on the State Commissioner for Well being, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the marketing campaign is a response to a worrying decline in vaccination protection charges, noticed not solely in Rivers State but additionally nationally and globally.
Oreh defined that the state’s vaccination protection charges have declined drastically, from 67% final 12 months to 46% in 2024.
She stated Measles, a doubtlessly lethal illness, necessitates excessive vaccination protection to stop outbreaks and guarantee youngsters’s progress and growth.
She added that to maximise attain and comfort, vaccination posts can be arrange in faculties and spiritual establishments.
Oreh defined: “Our current protection price signifies a regarding downward development, which underscores the urgency of our upcoming marketing campaign.
“We all know that vaccination is central to delivering main healthcare companies within the state.
“The measles vaccine is essential for shielding youngsters from extreme issues.”
She emphasised that even when earlier childhood vaccinations had been administered, the measles vaccine is crucial at 9 months to make sure sufficient safety.
“Some households might assume their youngsters are sufficiently coated after earlier vaccinations, however this isn’t the case.
“We perceive that these are attempting financial instances, and lots of households are busy. Nonetheless, the lives of our youngsters are treasured, and we should nurture them to make sure they develop adequately and develop.”
Oreh emphasised the significance of cooperation from dad and mom, guardians, and neighborhood leaders, urging them to carry their youngsters to vaccination posts and encourage others to do the identical.
“Your cooperation is important to the success of this marketing campaign, and collectively we are able to safeguard our youngsters’s well being and wellbeing,” she stated.
