BY OUR REPORTER
As part of efforts to protect thousands of children from preventable diseases in the state, the Niger state government has flagged off the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in the 25 local government areas.
The official flag-off ceremony which was performed by wife of the Niger state Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umar Bago in Bida aims to protect thousands of children aged 9 months to 14 years from preventable diseases.
The Governor’s wife also described the Measles-Rubella disease as a major threat to young children’s lives.
Accordingly, she appealed to mothers to visit the nearest vaccination centres saying “the community’s role in ensuring no child is left behind”.
In his goodwill message, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar described the exercise as a milestone in the health sector.
While calling on mothers to turn out en-masse, the Etsu Nupe said the vaccine is vital for protection against prevalent diseases.
According to him “it is our responsibility to ensure that our children benefit from this important exercise, I want you all to tell you that the vaccine is good for our children and does not affect human development.”
In his welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam, confirmed the goal is to vaccinate all eligible children to reduce maternal, morbidity, and mortality rates.
He revealed that the campaign, which covers all 274 wards across the state, is an opportunity to administer Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), malaria, human papillomas virus (HPV) and other routine immunizations.
Dr. Usman then disclosed that the State Government has provided all necessary resources for the campaign’s success.
In her goodwill message, Chief of Kaduna Field Office United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr Gerida Birukila represented by Health Specialist Dr Ahmed Tsofo reiterated their commitments in the fight against Measles/Rubella diseases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), AFENET, GAVI and other development partners pledged their continued support.
Highlight of the event was the administering of doses to children to symbolize the start of the public flag off of the program by wife of the Governor and the Etsu Nupe.
