Minna: Hajiya Fatima Bago, the wife of Niger State Governor, has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the measles rubella vaccine, which is set to be launched in Nigeria this October. The initiative aims to mitigate childhood illnesses and reduce maternal mortality in the region.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the governor’s wife emphasized the state government’s dedication to enhancing the health and welfare of its residents during the campaign in Minna. She highlighted the importance of collective efforts involving government health workers, traditional leaders, families, and communities in combating vaccine-preventable diseases.

Bago reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum to safeguarding children under five through timely immunization. She appealed to the residents to act as ambassadors for the campaign and actively participate in the vaccination drive. Additionally, she urged the wives of local government chairmen to spearhead sensitization efforts in their respective areas by engaging families, visiting health centers, and ensuring that every eligible child between nine months and 14 years of age receives the vaccine.

Bago noted that the World Health Organization has confirmed the vaccine’s safety for children and its role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of diseases. The event also served to commemorate the Renewed Hope Initiative led by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

Dr. Isah Vatsa, North Central Coordinator and Consultant for the Measles Rubella Vaccine, remarked on the historical impact of complications from measles rubella on Nigerian children. He highlighted that the vaccine would protect against severe outcomes like blindness, deafness, diarrhea, and death, and would be included in routine immunization schedules.

Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger, announced that the state would allocate N1.6 billion for vaccinating three million children. He assured the public of the vaccine’s effectiveness, safety, and availability at no cost, urging parents not to forego this crucial health intervention for their children. Dangana also reminded residents of the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 409 cases and 13 deaths, and confirmed that treatment for cholera is also free.