Anambra First Lady Urges Parents, Guardians to Support Measles-Rubella Vaccination Programme

By Mary Obi

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has called on parents, guardians, school heads, and religious leaders to prioritize the vaccination of children under their care once the Measles-Rubella vaccination programme is fully rolled out.

Mrs. Soludo made this plea during the inauguration of the Measles-Rubella vaccine introduction advocacy in Anambra State. She emphasized the importance of stakeholders leading the advocacy efforts, especially in areas where vaccination turnouts are typically low.

Highlighting the necessity of dispelling false narratives and fears surrounding vaccines, Mrs. Soludo urged caregivers to allow children to receive the vaccine, assuring them of its safety and effectiveness.

She emphasized that measles and rubella are highly contagious viral infections that have caused unnecessary suffering, complications, and even deaths among children. However, with the introduction of this combined vaccine, there is now a powerful tool to reduce childhood mortality, prevent long-term disabilities, and protect the health of future generations.

Dr. Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, revealed that the specially designed vaccine, set to be fully introduced in Anambra State later this year, aims to eradicate cases of measles and rubella. He stressed the need for a change in attitude among the population, stating that comprehensive defeat of the diseases can only be achieved if every child within the immunization age bracket receives the vaccine.
Obidike noted that the collective efforts of stakeholders, coupled with community support, are crucial in ensuring the success of the Measles-Rubella vaccination programme in Anambra State.

Dr. Muhammad Bonos, the World Health Organization’s Coordinator in Anambra State, expressed optimism about the programme’s success, citing the state’s history of immunization compliance. The event also saw the participation of local government health coordinators, grassroots mobilizers, wives of local government chairmen, and representatives of UNICEF.