UDU/Nigeria: The Delta State-wide Measles Vaccination Campaign was officially launched on Thursday with a flag-off ceremony at Chief Sokoh Hall in Otor-Udu, Udu Local Government Area. This vital initiative is aimed at protecting children from the highly contagious measles virus, which can cause severe complications such as blindness, deafness, and even death if left untreated.
Dr. Mercy Oghroro, the programme coordinator, emphasized the importance of the vaccine, describing it as a safe and effective means of providing long-lasting protection against measles. “The vaccine is administered in two doses,” she explained, “with the first dose given between 9 and 12 months of age, and the second between ages 4 and 6.”
Dr. Oghroro noted that the vaccination not only protects the individual but also helps establish herd immunity, significantly reducing the spread of the disease in the community.
The campaign, which runs from October 12 to 18, 2024, targets children aged 9 months to 5 years and is being conducted across various primary health care facilities in the Udu Local Government Area. The vaccine will be provided free of charge, with awareness efforts being conducted in schools, churches, and marketplaces to ensure maximum participation.
State Technical Facilitator Sir Elvis Akalisi urged community members to educate themselves about the benefits of vaccination and dispel any myths regarding its safety. “Vaccination is critical to building a healthy, disease-free society,” he said.
Hon. Vincent Oyibode, the council chairman, echoed this sentiment, calling on parents to take full advantage of the campaign to safeguard their children’s health. “A healthy society is a disease-free local government,” he remarked.
The launch event attracted several dignitaries, including the council chairman, vice chairman, first lady, speaker of the house, councillors, and other prominent figures, demonstrating the state’s commitment to eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases and ensuring the well-being of its youngest citizens.
