The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) have urged stakeholders to amplify awareness and support for the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign for children in the state.
This call was made at a One-day Stakeholders meeting for Measles Rubella campaign organised by KSPHCDA in collaboration with UNICEF on Thursday in Lokoja.
Amb. Dr. Abdulrahman Hudu, UNICEF’s Health Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) Consultant, said the MR vaccination exercise is scheduled for Oct. 4 to Oct. 13.
Hudu described Measles Rubella as a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, blindness, and death.
He urged stakeholders’ support for the exercise, stressing that the only way to tackle the disease is through preventive measures of vaccine application, as it is incurable.
According to him, the vaccine is 95 per cent effective in preventing the disease and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“By supporting MR vaccination campaign, we are protecting our children, reducing outbreak risks, and promoting overall community well-being,” Hudu stated.
Hudu stressed the role of SBC in empowering communities, fostering positive actions, and encouraging stakeholder collaboration.
He therefore, called for increased awareness creation, government commitment to improving vaccination policies and services to enhance uptake.
Mr Shittu Momoh, State Vaccine Mobilisation Officer, KSPHCDA, highlighted the stakeholders’ critical roles in house-to-house, door-to-door and community mobilisation especially in hard-to-reach areas.
He urged the stakeholders’ to support in the areas of capacity building, advocacy to decision makers at all levels to build trust and secure support and resources.
He noted that the vaccination campaign, targeting children between 9 months and 14 years, would be carried out across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Momoh urged stakeholders to take the MR vaccination seriously and work together to achieve 95 per cent and above coverage.
The event was attended by religious and community leaders, NGOs, MDAs, youth and women groups, Chigari Foundation, among others.
The stakeholders praised the state government and partners, calling for strong collaboration to drive a successful MR vaccination campaign.
They pledged to intensify efforts in raising awareness on MR vaccination through advocacy, public events, interpersonal communication, and other channels.