Abia First Lady Calls for Grassroots Mobilization in Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has urged key stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign reaches the grassroots, emphasizing the need for widespread sensitization and participation.
Addressing a gathering of wives of Local Government Mayors, community leaders, and other stakeholders in Umuahia on Friday, Mrs. Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Arungwa, stressed the importance of mobilizing mothers, caregivers, and parents for the campaign's flag-off ceremony.
As wives of mayors, I am giving you these responsibilities, and it is my expectation that you will carry them out diligently,she stated.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 highlighted the dangers of vaccine hesitancy, attributing it to misinformation and fear-mongering.
"As mothers, community leaders, and role models, we have a shared responsibility to protect the health of our children. Too many lives have been lost to vaccine-preventable diseases, and we cannot allow misinformation to hinder a healthier future for our children,"she emphasized.
She debunked false claims that the vaccine causes infertility or is part of a hidden agenda, noting that 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."
Speaking at the event, the Director of the 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 cascade the campaign down to the grassroots, ensuring that every community is aware of the vaccination exercise and its benefits.
With the support of local leaders and health officials, the Abia State Government aims to achieve a high immunization turnout and prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella, reinforcing the state's commitment to public health and child safety.
