From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Government has organised a sensitisation walk to raise awareness for the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign.
The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, on Women Affairs and State Coordinator of the programme, Scholastica Ben-Sor, emphasised the importance of educating the public ahead of the vaccine rollout scheduled for October this year.
She noted that the campaign aims to dispel the myths and misinformation surrounding the vaccine, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the health of mothers and children across the state. Ben-Sor stated that Governor Alia’s administration is rooted in values of competence, equity and compassion and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to effectively implement the vaccination programme.
She revealed that the advocacy efforts would extend to all the 23 local government areas and would be supported by local council chairmen and their spouses through radio and TV jingles, with backing from the State Primary Healthcare Board and other development partners.
While noting the grassroots population remains the primary target of the campaign, she was optimistic that with over 277 functional healthcare facilities spread across Benue State, the planned outreach would yield significant results and ensure widespread vaccine coverage.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Mrs. Grace Wende, assured the public of the vaccine’s safety and confirmed preparations were underway for its distribution across all healthcare facilities in the state.
She disclosed that the facilities are currently undergoing rehabilitation by the state government, adding that traditional rulers and community leaders would be instrumental in mobilisation efforts, while healthcare workers would receive proper training ahead of the immunisation exercise.
Other key speakers at the event, including Dr. Patience Okpeh, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Benue Chapter; Mrs. Helen Agaigbe, the Benue APC Women Leader and Dr. Gift Izenyi, Benue State Representative for the Measles-Rubella vaccine under MWAN, all echoed the importance of immunisation in preventing the spread of the virus.
They urged the Benue public to take full advantage of the opportunity, just as they commended the Alia-led administration for securing the vaccines and making them available to the people of Benue State at no cost.
The Measles-Rubella awareness walk, which commenced in Makurdi at the Savannah Roundabout and was concluded at the Government House Roundabout, drew a large turnout of individuals, various groups, key stakeholders and supporting partners, including members of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Benue State chapter.