From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia

Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has tasked key stakeholders to assist in grassroots mobilization of parents for the success of the upcoming measles-rubella vaccination in the state.

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 Mrs. Otti gave the charge during a meeting with stakeholders, including the wives of Mayors of local governments and community leaders, to sensitize them on the Measles –Rubella Vaccine introduction Advocacy in the state at Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia.

World Health Organization statistics on measles-Rubelle vaccination in Nigeria, she said, underscores the urgent need for increased vaccination coverage and accurate information dissemination, necessitating vigorous grassroots campaign and advocacy essentially to combat the entrenched myth and falsehood that the Measles –Rubella vaccine could cause infertility or that it was a hidden agenda and educate the masses on the benefits of the vaccine such that Abia would top the vaccination chart nationwide.

She lamented that “too many lives have been lost to vaccine-preventable diseases,” adding that as “mothers, community leaders, and role models,” they have a shared responsibility to protect the health of children, saying “we cannot allow misinformation to stand in the way of a healthier future for our children.”

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Arungwa, assured that “the Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and saves lives,” but regretted the continued resistance “due to myths, fear, and misinformation,” even after millions of children worldwide have been safely vaccinated, leading to a drastic reduction in measles and rubella cases.

“That is why we are gathered here today to equip you, the stakeholders, with the right information to take back to your communities. Your voices carry influence, and we need your leadership to correct falsehoods preventing families from vaccinating their children,” hence the need to mobilize mothers, caregivers, and parents for the campaign’s flag-off ceremony.

“Measles and rubella are not just mild childhood illnesses. They are dangerous diseases that can lead to complications such as blindness, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. But here is the good news—these diseases can be prevented with a simple vaccine. We must take this message to the grassroots. We must ensure that no child in Abia State is left unprotected,” she emphasized.

“However, misinformation has become a major obstacle. Some people are spreading false claims that the vaccine causes infertility, that it is part of a sinister agenda, or that children do not need it. These are lies. The truth is that millions of children around the world have been safely vaccinated, and it is because of vaccination that measles and rubella have been drastically reduced in many countries.

“This is where you come in. The essence of this meeting today is to arm you with the relevant information that will enable a vigorous campaign for the acceptance of this vaccine in your local communities.

“As key stakeholders—wives of mayors, community leaders, religious figures, and caregivers—you have direct access to women in your communities who are making decisions about their children’s health.

“We need you to be the bridge between them and the truth. Speak to them in churches, in market squares, at town hall meetings, and even in your daily interactions. Let them know that vaccinating their children is an act of love and responsibility,” the Governor’s wife added.

She specifically appealed to wives of local government chairmen to drive the campaign to ensure that Abia attains 95 percent coverage during the immunization proper.

“As wives of mayors, I am giving you these responsibilities, and it is my expectation that you will carry them out diligently,” she said; adding: “I urge you to mobilize your communities, seek support from traditional rulers, religious organizations, and other stakeholders, and actively participate in the monitoring and supervision of the vaccination campaign at the LGA level,” Mrs Otti said.

She noted that with the support of local leaders and health officials, Abia State government aims to achieve high immunization turnout and prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella, reinforcing the state’s commitment to public health and child safety

Speaking at the meeting, Director of Abia State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Kalu Kalu, and the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, represented by Permanent Secretary, Chris Onwuegbu, stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing measles and rubella.

They urged participants to take the campaigns down to the grassroots, ensuring that every community is aware of the vaccination exercise and its benefits.