ASABA/Nigeria: The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, Tobore Oborevwori, has flagged off the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, describing the initiative as a critical investment in the health, safety and future of children across the state.
The campaign was officially launched on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, and is scheduled to run until February 9, with vaccination teams deployed to communities across Delta State. Deaconess Oborevwori, who was represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Catherine Onyeme, said the exercise went beyond a routine public health programme, noting that it was a deliberate effort to protect families from preventable diseases and strengthen health outcomes in the state.
“We are gathered not only to launch a vital public health initiative, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to a healthier, safer and more secure future for the children and people of Delta State,” she said.
She noted that measles and rubella, though preventable, remain highly contagious and dangerous, particularly for children, with the potential to cause severe complications such as blindness, deafness and even death if left unchecked. According to her, vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the diseases and safeguarding public health.
“The good news is that these diseases are entirely preventable through vaccination. By vaccinating our children, we are strengthening the health security of Delta State and contributing meaningfully to a healthier Nigeria,” she stated.
Deaconess Oborevwori explained that the Measles–Rubella vaccine would be administered to children between nine months and 14 years, while routine immunisation services would be provided for children aged zero to 23 months. She described timely and complete immunisation as a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, stressing that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains steadfast in its commitment to quality healthcare delivery under the MORE Agenda.
“By giving our children these vital protections, we are investing in their future and giving them the opportunity to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives,” she said, adding that the campaign aligns with the MORE Agenda, which places premium value on accessible and quality healthcare for all Deltans.
She called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders to actively support the campaign by ensuring that all eligible children are presented for vaccination, while appealing for cooperation with healthcare workers deployed across the state. She also commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners and frontline health workers for their dedication to the success of the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, warned that measles and rubella are dangerous viral diseases capable of causing serious complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death. He added that rubella poses a significant risk to unborn children through Congenital Rubella Syndrome when contracted during pregnancy.
Represented by a Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, the commissioner said the vaccination exercise would take place in health facilities, schools, churches and community centres across the state. He expressed confidence that with the commitment of healthcare workers and the support of parents and community leaders, no child would be left unprotected, while commending Governor Oborevwori for prioritising healthcare under the MORE Agenda.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organization, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and other development partners underscored the importance of the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign to child survival and public health security.
The event attracted a broad spectrum of dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, the Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, commissioners, wives of local government chairmen, nursing mothers and school children, reflecting widespread support for the campaign.
The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign is expected to significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality in Delta State, while reinforcing the state’s commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable development.
