By: George Uchendu
The Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has flagged off the Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign in the state, charging the 13 local government council chairpersons to closely monitor the exercise and ensure full compliance and participation across their respective areas.
Mrs. Nwifuru flagged off the campaign at Onuebonyi Primary School II, Onuebonyi, in Abakaliki local government area, stressing that measles and rubella are preventable diseases that no child should suffer from in this day and age.
She warned that measles can cause severe illness, blindness, and even death, while rubella poses grave risks to pregnant women, often leading to miscarriage or the birth of children with lifelong health challenges.
According to her, the pain and losses associated with measles and rubella are preventable, noting that a simple vaccine can save a child’s life and give mothers peace of mind.
“During this vaccination exercise, children across all thirteen local government areas of Ebonyi State will be reached. Health workers will be stationed at primary healthcare centres, general hospitals, and temporary vaccination posts in markets, churches, schools, and community squares, ensuring that no mother has to travel far to protect her child,” she said.
She urged council chairpersons to actively support and supervise the vaccination exercise in their LGAs to guarantee its success.
Mrs. Nwifuru cautioned parents and caregivers against allowing misinformation, rumours, or fear to discourage them from vaccinating their children, emphasizing that the vaccines are safe, effective, and provided free of charge by the government.
“Ensure that your children receive all recommended vaccinations at the right time. Early prevention is always better, safer, and less costly than treatment,” she advised.
She said the flag-off of the campaign reflects the commitment of the Ebonyi State Government, under the People’s Charter of Needs mantra and the purposeful leadership of Governor Francis Nwifuru, to strengthening the healthcare system and prioritising the wellbeing of children and families in the state.
“This campaign aligns with our collective vision of building a healthier, stronger, and more productive Ebonyi State,” she added.
Mrs. Nwifuru, who is the founder of the Better Ebonyi Women and Rural Outreach (BERWO) Foundation, said she remains committed to initiatives that promote maternal, newborn, and child health.
She noted that through community outreaches and health education programmes, BERWO continues to support immunisation advocacy, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“I appeal to mothers, fathers, grandparents, traditional rulers, women leaders, and religious leaders to encourage families in their communities to have their children vaccinated. When we protect one child, we protect an entire community,” she said.
Mrs. Nwifuru also commended the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma; the BERWO team leader, Prof. Nkechi Emma-Echiegu; and other development partners for their efforts in planning and implementing the campaign.
“Your dedication ensures that vaccines reach every eligible child, including those in hard-to-reach communities,” she noted.
“As we flag off this Measles, Rubella Vaccination Campaign today, let us renew our commitment to building a healthier Ebonyi State, one where no child dies from preventable diseases and no mother experiences the pain of avoidable loss,” she said.
She urged residents to choose science, compassion, and responsibility over fear and misinformation, adding: “Let us choose life. Let us choose health. Let us choose a future where every child in Ebonyi State grows up strong, protected, and full of hope.”
