Deltans and residents alike has been admonished to ensure their children aged between 9 months and 15 years are fully immunized against vaccine preventable diseases for a healthier future.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme made the call today in Asaba during the advocacy flag-off ceremony of the Measles Rubella vaccine introduction.
“From this moment we are challenged to jointly dispel all myths and dis-beliefs that are inimical to vaccine acceptance” he stated.
“Let our children receive the vaccines, so that they may have the bright healthy future they deserve.
Dr. Onojaeme used the medium to assure all of the safety, effectiveness and ability of the vaccines save lives and also informed the public that officers of the State and National Primary Health Care Development Agency will be on ground to provide the vaccination services in health centers across the State.
Explaining what Measles and Rubella are, the Commissioner said they are highly infectious viral diseases that are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and also through direct contact with the nasal secretions of an infected person.
He disclosed that the measles disease could result in serious complications like pneumonia, brain damage and even death while Rubella disease though milder but poses substantial risk to pregnant women.
The Commissioner further disclosed that infected pregnant mother have been reported to transmit it to unborn babies who may present with severe birth defects.
“ The disease are vaccine preventable and the National Programme on Immunization offers us, especially, the at risked populations of being immunized with the Measles-Rubella (MR) combination vaccine. It will curb the incidences and death rates related to the disease”.
In the same vein, the wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess (Mrs.) Tobore Oborevwori, was honored as a Net Ambassador in recognition of her tireless efforts in combating the spread of malaria and other life-threatening diseases in the State.
The net ambassador was conferred on the Governor’s wife by the Society of Family Health and the Ministry of Health during the sensitization/flag-off campaign of the Measles-Rubella Vaccine advocacy roll-out in Delta State at the Unity Hall, Government House on Monday.
As Net Ambassador, Deaconess Oborevwori’s influence will continue to inspire and mobilize communities to take action against Malaria and other diseases. Her advocacy will undoubtedly contribute to increased awareness, prevention, and treatment, ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of the people of Delta State.
