The Imo State Government said on Tuesday that the campaign for the commencement of Measles–Rubella vaccination has begun across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The campaign, officially flagged off on Tuesday in Owerri, the Wife of the Governor, Chioma Uzodimma, said the exercise was germane to protect children from measles and congenital rubella syndrome.
She, however, lauded the Federal Government for its efforts toward eradicating measles and rubella in Nigeria and for introducing the combined vaccine in Imo State.
She said the initiative aligns with the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to preventive healthcare and the reduction of child morbidity and mortality in the state.
According to her, the vaccination exercise is expected to reach thousands of children and forms part of a broader national and global effort to eliminate measles and curb complications associated with rubella.
“I appeal to our traditional, religious, community and civic leaders to sensitise the people to present their children for immunisation.
“Please let us immunise all children from nine months to 14 years of age. That way, we know they are protected from measles–rubella disease,” Uzodimma added.
Earlier, Kosilisochukwu Ekenjoku, the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the state was fully prepared for the statewide vaccination campaign.
She assured residents that the vaccines were safe and free, describing immunisation as the most effective means of preventing childhood diseases.
Acorsing to her, “All necessary logistics, including vaccine availability, cold chain systems and trained health personnel, have been deployed for the success of the vaccination campaign,” she said.
She added that awareness and sensitisation activities were ongoing across the 27 local government areas to encourage parents and caregivers to present their eligible children for vaccination.
According to her, the immunisation exercise will run from February 4 to 16, 2026.
