Delta Govt Begins Statewide Measles–Rubella Vaccination Exercise

The wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of the You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has flagged off the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, aimed at protecting children from preventable diseases. The exercise, launched on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, will run until February 9 across all communities in the state.

Speaking through the wife of the deputy governor, Catherine Onyeme, Oborevwori said the campaign was a deliberate effort to strengthen public health and secure the future of children. She noted that measles and rubella remain highly contagious and dangerous, especially for children, but can be completely prevented through vaccination.

The campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years for the measles–rubella vaccine, while routine immunisation services will be provided for children aged 0 to 23 months. Oborevwori stressed that timely and complete immunisation was a long-term investment in human capital and aligned with the state government’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises accessible and quality healthcare.

Health Commissioner Joseph Onojaeme, represented by a director in the ministry, warned that measles and rubella could lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death, while rubella poses risks to unborn children. Development partners, including WHO, UNICEF and NPHCDA, also pledged support, emphasising the campaign’s importance to child survival and public health security.