November 26, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom citizens have been urged to fully embrace the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and C-WINS, warns of the growing public health risks posed by the two viral diseases.
At a statewide sensitisation forum in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, the State Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said measles and rubella continue to constitute serious health challenges across Nigeria, including Akwa Ibom. With vaccines now proven to be safe and effective, he stressed that residents must take advantage of the opportunity to protect children and vulnerable groups.
“Measles and rubella have long threatened childhood health, but today we have the tools to safeguard our families”, Mkpoutom said as he addressed traditional rulers, journalists, religious leaders, Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs), and the general public.
He explained that the MR vaccine offers lifelong immunity and that achieving high coverage will build herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. He called for united action from the media, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and health workers to expand awareness and acceptance of the vaccine.
“Together, we can eliminate measles and rubella and build a healthier, more resilient society”, he said.
Health Promotion Officer for Ibiono Ibom, Mrs Mary Isonguyo Akpabio, described measles as a highly contagious viral disease capable of causing pneumonia, encephalitis and death, particularly among children under five. She also drew attention to the danger rubella poses to pregnant women, warning that infection could lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital rubella syndrome, which causes severe birth defects.
She applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for declaring a state of emergency on health and urged communities to “take the next step” by embracing the MR vaccine wholeheartedly.
Representing the Paramount Ruler, Chief Jackson said vaccination is both a personal and communal responsibility. He pledged to mobilise traditional rulers across villages to drive compliance, noting that “every child deserves a healthy start in life”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ibiono Ibom chapter, Pastor Bassey Ben Okon, disclosed that Nigeria accounts for nearly half of measles and rubella cases in Africa. He assured that CAN would encourage Christians across the LGA to welcome the vaccine when introduced.
Supervisor for Health in Ibiono Ibom, Hon. Imaeka Obong, promised strong collaboration with the health team, NOA and the council to reverse low coverage of key health programmes in the area.
