Onitsha South Flags Off Measles, Rubella Vaccination Campaign
By Julie Sylvia Onitsha
The Onitsha South Local Government Area has officially flagged off measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. The event was was held at Umunna Primary Health Center Odoakpu.
The Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Mrs. Ebere Udodeme, stated that the programme is free and sponsored by the Federal, State, and Local Governments in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
“The campaign will run for 10 days, from February 4th to 15th, and will involve visiting schools, churches, and homes to immunize children within the target age group.
“After the initial 10-day campaign, the vaccination exercise will continue in various health centers, targeting babies aged 9-23 months. Mrs. Udodeme urged parents to take advantage of the free vaccination programme to protect their children from measles and rubella.
The Director of Primary Health Care, Mrs. Udegbunam Chizoba, explained that rubella, also known as German measles, can cause serious health problems for babies born to infected mothers, including eye problems and heart defects.
“The vaccination campaign will run for 10 days, followed by a 2-day mop-up exercise to immunize children who were not reached during the initial period. The Director noted that the immunization programme will also provide other essential vaccines, including hepatitis and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, for girls at the age of 9 which helps prevent cervical cancer.
The Ward Development Committee Chairman on Health Level, Mr. Francis Nwoye, commended the Mayor, Hon. Emeka Orji, and health workers for their efforts in mobilizing the community for the vaccination exercise. He described the turnout as marvelous and urged parents to take advantage of the free vaccination programme to protect their children.
Others who contributed were the LGA health educator who is also the Social Immunization Officer, Local Immunization Officer, Onitsha South LGA, and the Youth Leader, Fegge 6, Mrs Ndukuba Ifeoma, Mrs Uchegbu Adaora and Chukwu Elijah Charles, respectively.
The trio praised the three tiers of government for the initiative, noting that it is one of the best immunization so far.
They urged parents to allow their children to be immunized and take advantage of the free healthcare service.
