The chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Friday Ovoke Warri on Tuesday flag-off the Measles-Rubella Vaccine advocacy campaign with a call on all stakeholders, traditional rulers, president generals of communities, and school owners to prioritize the measles-rubella vaccine advocacy within their respective domains.
In his address to participants during the ceremony held at the James Otobo Hall, Oleh, headquarters of the Isoko South, the council boss emphasized that a known illness is rarely fatal, highlighting the severe implications of measles and other diseases that have claimed lives in the past due to inadequate knowledge and insufficient vaccination efforts.
“We all recognize the implications of measles, but thanks to various vaccines, most of these illnesses are becoming less prevalent. This highly lethal disease has claimed the lives of numerous children, including nursing mothers, and therefore, prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate its potential spread. I want to urge everyone, particularly mothers, to disseminate the information about the measles-rubella vaccine, scheduled to commence in January 2026, to various gatherings, including markets, churches, meetings, and other social events.
“To all our traditional rulers, presidents general, and associations of private school owners, you must enlightened the children on the importance of receiving the measles-rubella vaccine. When you return home, please convey this message and inform others,” Warri stated.
In her address , Mrs. Naomi Ogbakbah, Delta State Forecast Person for the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), stated that the vaccine can prevent over two million deaths, saying that children between nine months and fourteen years old should be administered the vaccine when it becomes available in January 2026, emphasizing that it will be provided free of charge and is both effective and safe.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) representative in Isoko South, Ben Avre also stated that prevention is preferable to cure, noting that measles-rubella disease is preventable. He added that the NOA is working to disseminate this information to all areas.
The ceremony’s highlight was the official launch of the measles-rubella vaccination campaign flagged off by the Ambassador in Isoko South, Mrs. Abigail Warri, wife of the chairman of the Isoko South council.
According to her, based on the report, Isoko South is classified as a low-risk area, yet targeted measures are necessary to ensure children aged 9 months to 14 years, comprising over 40% of the population, receive the vaccine.
She also advocates for the implementation of sensitization programs in various communities across the local government.
The objective is to guarantee that all citizens are informed about the measles-rubella vaccine, slated for availability by January 2026. This advocacy effort seeks to promote the health and well-being of everyone, with particular emphasis on children in Isoko South, thereby curbing the spread of this potentially fatal disease among innocent children.
Attendees comprise the Vice Chairman of Isoko South, Mrs. Ikrike Theresa Oghale; the Leader of the Legislative Arm of Isoko South, Hon. Olokor Bright; the Secretary to the Isoko South Local Government, Hon. Zino Osuofa; councillors; supervising councillors; traditional rulers; clergymen; president generals of various communities; school proprietors; nursing mothers; representatives from the World Health Organization; and health workers, among other distinguished guests.
