Borno begins mass vaccination against measles, rubella

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

Borno has commenced a week-long mass vaccination of children and teens against measles, rubella, polio and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Wife of the State governor, Dr. Falmata Zulum, while flagging off the Measles/Rubella integrated immunisation campaign in Maiduguri on Monday, urged mothers and caregivers to present their children aged nine months to 14 years for vaccination.

“Measles and rubella are very dangerous diseases but are preventable. I urge all mothers and caregivers to immunise their children. The vaccine is very safe and it’s free,” she declared.

Falmata also administered the vaccine to some children to flag off the campaign. She presented gifts to some nursing mothers that came for the immunisation.

Executive Secretary of Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board (PHCDB), Prof. Mohammed Arab Alhaji, stated that the state contributed over 60 per cent of measles burden in Nigeria some years ago but expressed delight that the periodic vaccination campaigns have helped in cutting down the burden to nine per cent.

“This campaign represents a major step in our collective move to improve the health sector and health of our youths. Immunisation saves lives and protects the future of our communities,” he said.

He commended partners, especially the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their support.

Officer-in-Charge UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Dr. Marie Marcos, assured that the global body will continue to support the health of children in the country.