The First Lady of Delta Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has called on all stakeholders and wives of the 25 LGA chairmen in Delta State to give all the needed support for the measles Rubella Vaccine to get to all children ages 9months to 15years.
The First Lady gave this charge during the advocacy/sensitization flag-off of the Measles Rubella Vaccine at the Unity Hall of the Government house in Asaba.
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his immense contributions in the health sector of the state, Deaconess Oborevwori said the governor was always particular about activities that help to enhance the health indices of the state, so as to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
While decorating the representatives of the wives of chairmen of the 25 Local Government Areas in the state during their investiture as local government immunization champions, Oborevwori harped on the need for the LGA First Ladies to cascade the importance of the Rubella and Measles vaccines to all and sundry in their different localities.
Addressing the press, she harped on the need for the measles and rubella vaccine to be given the widest coverage it requires.
Earlier, the commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme in his address said:” It is worth noting that Measles and Rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.it can also spread through direct contact with the nasal secretions of an infected person
“The health commissioner further stated that measles and rubella could result in complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain damage), fever, cough, runny nose, difficulty in breathing and a distinctive rash. The disease is highly contagious and as such non-vaccinated individuals nearby are at risk of becoming infected by this means.
“The diseases are vaccine preventable and with the introduction of the vaccine, it will curb the mobility and mortality related to measles and rubella diseases.
“This opportunity comes from the government’s Agenda (State and federal) of ‘Renewed Hope for more’ to ensure the health security of our people “
“Be rest assured that the vaccine is safe, effective, saves lives and it will be administered to children from 9months to 15 years.
“In our zeal to achieve universal health coverage where no one is left behind, the government will continue to collaborate with the United Nations Agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, departments and agencies to make the vaccine accessible to all.”
The Functioning Executive Director, DSPHCDA, Dr Paul Yinkore, while giving his vote of thanks, expressed his profound gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori and his amiable wife Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori for their commitment to the well-being of Deltans, and also to the health commissioner as well as all stakeholders for their collaboration in making sure no child of vaccine-preventable disease age is left behind.
Highlight of the event was a group photograph by members of the state executive council, Donor Agencies, Religious leaders, with the First Lady.
