The Imo State Government has commenced a statewide measles rubella vaccination campaign across all 27 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to protect children from preventable diseases and reduce child mortality.
The campaign was officially flagged off on Tuesday in Owerri by the Wife of the Governor Chioma Uzodimma. She said the exercise is designed to protect children from measles and congenital rubella syndrome while strengthening preventive healthcare delivery in the state.
Uzodimma commended the Federal Government for its commitment to eradicating measles and rubella in Nigeria and for introducing the combined vaccine in Imo State. She noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Hope Uzodimma to prioritise preventive healthcare and safeguard the wellbeing of children.
According to her the vaccination exercise is expected to reach thousands of children and forms part of broader national and global efforts to eliminate measles and curb complications associated with rubella. She appealed to traditional religious community and civic leaders to sensitise parents and caregivers on the importance of presenting their children for immunisation.
Uzodimma urged residents to ensure that all eligible children between nine months and 14 years receive the vaccine to guarantee full protection against the disease.
In her welcome address the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency Kosilisochukwu Ekenjoku said the state was fully prepared for the exercise. She assured residents that the vaccines are safe free and effective and described immunisation as the most reliable way to prevent childhood diseases.
Ekenjoku disclosed that logistics including vaccine availability cold chain systems and trained health workers have been deployed statewide. She added that the campaign will run from February 4 to 16 2026 and features the introduction of the measles rubella vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule.
Also speaking the Commissioner for Health Dr Chioma Egu said the initiative reflects the state commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving overall child survival.
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