***Calls for collaboration, support of stakeholders, parents, caregivers,others
By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
In a bid to eradicate measles completely in Ebonyi state,the wife of the governor of Ebonyi state,Mrs Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru has flag-off measles vaccination campaign in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state, calling on stakeholders in line ministries, religious leaders,CSOs, development partners, among others to join in the sensitization campaign to ensure that measle diseasea are totally wiped out of the state.
The wife of the governor made this known at Women Development Centre, Abakaliki during the vaccination campaign Flag-off, stating that this is part of her commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of Ebonyi children,who are the future of this state.
She further noted that sensitization campaign aligns with her pet project,BERWO initiative in improving healthcare delivery in the state,and therefore urge all parents and caregivers to take the vaccination serious by bringing their children to the nearest vaccination centre, saying that the administration of her husband, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru,is Committed to providing quality healthcare delivery to all Ebonyians.
“It is with deep sense of responsibility that I stand here to officially flagoff the Measles (Alubara) vaccine campaign in Ebonyi state.This is part of our commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of our children,who are the future of this state.
Measles is a health treat causing several complications.However, these diseases are treatable through vaccination.Today,we are reaffirming our dedication to eradicate this disease by ensuring that every child in Ebonyi state receives this life-saving vaccine. As a mother,and as an advocate for maternal and child health,I understand the importance of this vaccination to our children to eradicate this disease.
This campaign aligns with our BEWOW initiative in improving healthcare delivery in the state.Therefore,I urg all parents and caregivers to take this vaccination serious and bring their children to the nearest vaccination centre.The administration of my husband, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru,is Committed to providing quality healthcare delivery to all Ebonyians.Under this administration,we are ready to provide all health interventions and services All government appointees, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, and all opinion leaders to ensure the success of this campaign.
In an interview after the flagoff, the team leader of BERWO, Prof Mrs.Nkechi Emma Echeagu stated that People believe that the vaccine is a way white people uses to reduce our population, while others said once you take the vaccine, you become infertile; that your children will find it difficult to conceive, among other negative and superstitious believe, saying that it is not true, because the vaccination is life-saving and helps the child to live a healthy life.
She also urged stakeholders in the state, religious leaders, CSOs, development partners, parents and caregivers to join in the campaign to ensure that Ebonyi is free of measle diseases.
“People believe that the vaccine is a way white people uses to reduce our population,but it is not true, vaccine is life-saving.The also tell women in the village, that once you take the vaccine, you become infertile; that your children will find it difficult to conceive.
The will also say that the traditional healers are cheaper; just take one concoction and be fine instead of taking vaccine.Some of them said the diseases are no longer in existence.This meeting is a town hall meeting for major stakeholders; you can see the traditional rulers; you can see CAN, health workers, donor partners, and line ministries like health, education,youth and sports are all important to what we are talking about. With ministry education,the children will understand it easily and be able to tutor their parents; that this vaccine is not harmful,”she said.
