Wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has unveiled grassroots advocacy in preparation for the introduction of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The vaccine is to prevent congenital defects and protect children.
Soludo, the founder of Healthy Living Initiative, unveiled the advocacy during a stakeholders engagement in Awka on Thursday.
She said there was the need for stakeholders to look out for the health, growth and welfare of children in the state.
“As a mother, woman and a public health advocate, I see this engagement as a critical step in our effort to protect our children.
“They are the future of our dear state and we need to protect them from preventable diseases.
“Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viral infections that have led to unnecessary suffering, complications and even deaths among our children.
“With the introduction of this combined vaccine, we now have a powerful tool to change that narrative.
“To reduce childhood mortality, prevent long-term disabilities and secure the health of future generations,” she said.
Soludo said the Measles-Rubella advocacy focused on building trust and raising awareness about the importance of immunisation.
“As the wife of the governor, I pledge my full support to this noble initiative.
“I call on parents, guardians, caregivers, community and religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders to join hands with us.
“Let us mobilise our communities and protect our children. Let us say yes to vaccines and no to preventable diseases,” She said.
Also speaking, Dr Bonos Mohammed, State Coordinator, WHO, said that the MR vaccine, which would be introduce before the end of the year, was to ensure child survival.
WHO pledges support for Healthy Living Pap
Mohammed commended the Governor’s Wife for her dedication and tireless efforts in promoting the health of children and women.
“One of her interventions – the Healthy Living PAP for malnourished children, is something WHO will give every necessary support to it,” he said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said rubella infection during pregnancy continued to pose a serious but preventable threat to the health of newborns across Nigeria.
Obidike said that the engagement was to step up advocacy efforts in preparation for the introduction of the MR vaccine, to prevent congenital Rubella syndrome.
“The advocacy is to ensure widespread acceptance in all our communities in the state,” he said.
The event also featured the restocking of Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Pap for malnourished children at the healthcare centres and general hospitals.
