The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Monday, flagged off the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV) Advocacy Rollout in the state.
Speaking at the event which was held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, she explained that the sensitization on the introduction of the vaccine, which is an initiative of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum was targeted at educating mothers and caregivers on the efficacy of the vaccines and to ensure that all children are vaccinated appropriately.
“The importance of this advocacy is to increase vaccine access and acceptability, particularly in areas with low vaccination rate, as this will ensure a reduction in the number of children suffering from measles and rubella as well as avoid complications arising from the diseases, including blindness, brain damage and death.”
She explained that the flag off and immunization project would be done in each of the 25 local government areas by the various chairpersons.
“Every parent and caregiver must take advantage of the free vaccination services provided by the National Programme on Immunization (NPI), bearing in mind that it is the right of every child to be vaccinated and get saved from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
In his welcome address earlier at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onajaeme noted that measles could result in serious health complications like pneumonia and even death, even though its symptoms are simple.
He further explained that rubella disease on its part posed potential risk to pregnant women who can pass it on to their unborn, but confirmed that both diseases were preventable by vaccination.
Various health experts who spoke avowed that the vaccines were safe and meant for children between the ages of 9 months to 15 years.
The event was graced by several national and international health partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
In a related development, the wife of the state governor also pledged to be a voice to champion malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the state.
The First Lady made the pledge on the occasion of her investiture as the Delta State Net Ambassador and official endorsement of the 2025 Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) Campaign in the state.
Backing up her commitment, she noted, “Malaria remains a major public health challenge in our dear state and across Nigeria, accounting for a significant burden of illness and death, particularly among pregnant women and children under the age of five.
“Despite the progress we have made over the years, it is clear that we must redouble our efforts to eliminate this preventable and treatable disease and as such, today’s ceremony is not only symbolic but a clarion call to action.
“The investiture of the Delta Net Ambassador marks a new chapter in our collective efforts to fight malaria. In my capacity, I am expected to serve as a voice for malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment while helping to mobilize communities, advocate for behavioural change and promote consistent and correct use of insecticide-treated nets.
“As the First Lady of Delta State and a mother, I understand the pain and helplessness of watching a child battle malaria and I also know the power of prevention.
“A simple act of sleeping under a treated mosquito net every night can save countless lives. This is why I wholeheartedly endorse the 2025 ITN Campaign and lend my full support to its success.”
The Wife of the Governor thus urged all Deltans to embrace the launched campaign, receive the nets and use them correctly while she reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Deltans.
She further extended her appreciation to the partnering bodies of National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Society for Family Health (SFH), World Health Organization (WHO), Management Science for Health (MCH) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for their unflinching support.
