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DELTA STATE FIRST LADY LAUNCHES STATEWIDE MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

The First Lady of Delta State and founder of the ‘You Matter Foundation’, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has officially launched the Delta State Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign, declaring it a vital investment in the health and safety of children. The campaign was flagged off at the Government House in Asaba on Thursday and will run until February 9, reaching all communities across the state. Represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, Deaconess Oborevwori stated that the campaign is more than a routine health initiative. “We are here to not only launch a crucial public health initiative but also to reaffirm our dedication to a healthier, safer future for the children and residents of Delta State,” she said. She articulated the effort as a committed drive to protect families from preventable diseases and enhance public health outcomes. Highlighting the dangers of the diseases, Deaconess Oborevwori noted that measles and rubella are highly contagious and pose significant risks to children, including severe complications like blindness, deafness, and even death. “The good news is that these diseases can be entirely prevented through vaccination. By immunizing our children, we are reinforcing the health security of Delta State and contributing to a healthier Nigeria,” she remarked. The vaccine will be administered to children aged nine months to 14 years, with routine immunization services also available for children aged 0 to 23 months. She stressed that timely immunization is a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, affirming the Oborevwori administration’s steadfast commitment to quality healthcare as a cornerstone of the MORE agenda. “By providing our children with these essential protections, we invest in their future, enabling them to lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives,” she stated. Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes accessible and high-quality healthcare for all Deltans. “This initiative reflects the administration’s firm commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of every citizen. It is not just a campaign; it is a vision grounded in hope, resilience, and the power of collective effort,” she added. She urged parents, caregivers, and community and religious leaders to actively support the campaign by ensuring all eligible children are vaccinated and called for cooperation with healthcare workers. “Together, we can ensure our children are protected, our families are thriving, and our communities are flourishing,” she said. She also commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners, and frontline health workers for their dedication. In related remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, warned that measles and rubella pose significant risks, including severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, deafness, and death. He also highlighted the threat of Congenital Rubella Syndrome to unborn children if rubella is contracted during pregnancy. Represented by a Director in the Ministry, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, he explained vaccinations would occur at health facilities, schools, churches, and community centers. He assured that with the support of healthcare workers and community leaders, no child would be left unprotected and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritizing healthcare under the MORE Agenda.