The government of Kwara State has pledged to initiate the nationwide distribution of the new Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in an effort to prevent early childhood fatalities and congenital birth abnormalities in pregnant women.
Arewa PUNCHobtained from the state's health authorities that this implementation, set for October 9, is essential in addressing the increasing health issue affecting women and children.
The head of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, statedArewa PUNCHon Wednesday, it was noted that the new vaccine differs from the previous single measles shot by offering protection against both measles and rubella, also referred to as German measles, which can lead to permanent issues like deafness, blindness, and heart defects in infants if contracted during pregnancy.
"This vaccine holds significant importance. Earlier, we administered the measles vaccine at nine and 15 months, but we were still leaving children and mothers vulnerable to rubella," Elelu stated.
Rubella might appear to be a less severe version of measles, but if a woman gets it during pregnancy, it can result in congenital Rubella syndrome, leading to lifelong impairments for the developing baby.
That's why Nigeria has chosen to incorporate the measles-rubella vaccine into our regular vaccination program.
Our reporter states that the nationwide initiative will be officially launched by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6, with Kwara's event being conducted by the state's First Lady on October 9, focusing on children between the ages of nine months and 14 years in a catch-up campaign.
Elelu revealed that the state had already received the vaccines, finished the national training, and was now providing instruction to local health teams to achieve comprehensive coverage, including remote regions.
"We are ready. The awareness campaign has begun, and we have contacted traditional leaders, religious figures, schools, and the media. In addition, we are holding community events such as a unique football match on October 8 to promote understanding," she stated.
Arewa PUNCH also reported that the implementation occurs during the state's continuous upgrading of primary healthcare centers.
Elelu stated that over 100 PHCs were undergoing restoration using state financial support and collaborations with the World Bank's IMPACT initiative, UNICEF, and the Global Fund.
"Up to now, more than 70 PHCs have been planned for upgrades across the 16 LGAs. Our approach is to guarantee that each political ward has at least one fully operational PHC," she stated, noting that Kwara has regularly fulfilled its matching financial commitments for health initiatives over the last five years.
Health professionals have consistently associated poor infrastructure and limited vaccination rates with Nigeria's high child death statistics, despite Elelu's confidence that the state's investments in primary health centers and vaccines will lead to better results.
She also urged the media and the general public to assist in combating vaccine-related false information, which she referred to as a significant risk to the effectiveness of vaccination efforts.
"Each time false information prevails, a life is lost. This is why we implement grassroots community involvement and media campaigning to promote accurate information. We should avoid amplifying misleading content. We need to provide individuals with facts so they can make well-informed health choices," she told the press.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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