The Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is set to begin a measles-rubella vaccination campaign across all 21 Local Government Areas in October.
This was announced by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr Suleiman Bashir, during a media engagement, in Yola yesterday.
Bashir said the 10-day campaign aimed to boost the immunity of children aged between nine months and 14 years.
He emphasised that the vaccine was free, safe, and effective, urging journalists to support the campaign by helping dispel misconceptions, misinformation, and rumours about vaccination.
Also speaking, the agency’s Director of Disease Control, Dr Jacob Vasumu, said the engagement was intended to raise awareness about the importance of the measles-rubella vaccine.
He added that it also aimed to outline strategies to achieve at least 95 per cent coverage and address vaccine-related misinformation.
“The media plays a vital role in influencing public behaviour and improving vaccine acceptance,” he added.
Umar Bahuli, the State Immunisation Officer, explained that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that could lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals.
He also noted that rubella, though typically mild, posed a serious risk during pregnancy as it could lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), resulting in severe birth defects.
Bahuli said a two-day mop-up exercise would follow the 10-day campaign to ensure all targeted children were reached.
Representing development partners, Dr Mansur Kurfi, WHO Technical Assistant in Adamawa, called on the media to fully understand the campaign’s goals for accurate and impactful reporting.
He also commended the agency’s commitment to improving primary healthcare in the state.