Deaconess Oborevwori Flags Off Measles-Rubella Vaccine Advocacy Campaign

By Elizabeth Elemi

The wife of the Governor of Delta State and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has flagged off the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV) advocacy roll-out in the State.

In the event held on Monday at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized the importance of routine immunization, describing the vaccine introduction as a significant step in the fight against childhood diseases.

Deaconess Oborevwori said, “This initiative by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum is indeed a welcome development and quite commendable as the program is targeted at sensitizing mothers and caregivers on the efficacy of vaccines to prevent childhood diseases and to ensure that all children are given appropriately.”

She highlighted that the advocacy aims to improve vaccine access and acceptance, particularly in underserved areas, to reduce the incidence and complications of measles and rubella, such as blindness, brain damage, and death.

“The MORE agenda of this administration under the leadership of our Governor, my husband, is committed to the well-being of all Deltans, ensuring that childhood diseases and child mortality are reduced to the barest minimum through effective immunization,” she added.

The Delta First Lady urged parents and caregivers to make use of the free vaccination services under the National Programme on Immunization, stating that it is the right of every child to be protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

She further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders to drive sensitization efforts, especially in rural areas.

“I will also like to make a passionate appeal to our traditional rulers, religious leaders, strategic stakeholders, donor agencies, and partners to be at the forefront of the campaign,” she said.

Delivering the welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Joseph Onojaeme, stressed that measles and rubella are highly infectious, with symptoms like high fever, coughing, and rashes, and can cause severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals.

He assured the public that the vaccine is safe, accessible across 241 health centers in the state, and will be administered to children between 9 and 15 years old.

Also Speaking at the event, Hon. Rock Odeka, Zonal Coordinator for C-WINs, emphasized that the awareness campaign is part of a broader effort to ensure a healthy state, particularly as the vaccination program is scheduled to commence in the northern region by October.

Dr. Husseini Imoisule, WHO State Coordinator, and Mrs. Courage Ibhode, a UNICEF representative, both praised the initiative. They called for a unified effort from all sectors including religious and traditional leaders, health workers, civil society, and the media to ensure every child in Delta State is reached.

“No child should be left behind,” Dr. Imoisule stressed.

Giving deep insight into the Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Dr. Onyi T. Owa-Nwabuzo, president-elect of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Delta State, explained that the campaign has the potential to avert 2.8 million Children deaths in Nigeria.

She noted the serious health risks associated with measles and rubella, including deafness, heart defects, blindness, and brain swelling, calling for increased awareness and vaccination coverage by 2026.

The wife of Delta State Governor and Founder You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori (left) receiving a document from the State Commissioner for Health Hon Joseph Onojaeme during the sensitization flag -off of Measles -Rubella vaccine Advocacy Rollout in Delta State held at Unity Hall Government House Asaba yesterday. PC: DTGH Press

Strengthening the advocacy, Deaconess Oborevwori charged chair persons to take the message to the grassroot.