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, describing it as a critical investment in the health, safety and future of children across the state.
The campaign, which was officially launched on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, is scheduled to run until February 9 and will cover all communities across Delta State.
Speaking through the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, at the flag-off ceremony, Deaconess Oborevwori said the exercise was not just a routine health programme, but also a deliberate effort to protect families from preventable diseases and strengthen public health outcomes in the state.
“We are gathered not only to launch a vital public health initiative, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to a healthier, safer and more secure future for the children and people of Delta State”, she said.
Deaconess Oborevwori noted that measles and rubella, though preventable, remained highly contagious and dangerous, particularly for children, with the potential to cause severe complications such as blindness, deafness and even death if not properly addressed.
She said, “The good news is that these diseases are entirely preventable through vaccination. By vaccinating our children, we are strengthening the health security of Delta State and contributing meaningfully to a healthier Nigeria”.
According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine would be administered to children aged nine months to 14 years, while routine immunisation services would be provided for children aged zero to 23 months.
She explained that providing children with timely and complete immunisation was a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, adding that the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery remained unwavering and a core pillar of the MORE Agenda.
“By giving our children these vital protections, we are investing in their future and giving them the opportunity to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives”, she said.
Deaconess Oborevwori further emphasised that the initiative aligned with the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration, which placed premium value on accessible and quality healthcare for all Deltans.
“This initiative reflects the administration’s unwavering resolve to prioritise the health and well-being of every citizen. It is more than a campaign; it is a vision built on hope, resilience and our belief in the power of collective effort”, she added.
The Governor’s wife called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders to actively support the campaign by ensuring that all eligible children were presented for vaccination, while also appealing for cooperation with healthcare workers deployed across the state.
“Together, we can ensure that our children are protected, our families thrive and our communities flourish”, she said.
Deaconess Oborevwori also commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners and frontline health workers for their dedication and commitment to the success of the campaign.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, warned that measles and rubella were dangerous viral diseases capable of causing severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death, adding that rubella posed a serious threat to unborn children through Congenital Rubella Syndrome when contracted during pregnancy.
The Commissioner, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, explained that the vaccination exercise would take place at health facilities, schools, churches and community centres across the state.
He assured that with the commitment of healthcare workers and the support of parents and community leaders, no child would be left unprotected, while commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritising healthcare under the MORE Agenda.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Efe-Aluta Oniovo; Associate Professor Uzochkwu Ofonastasa of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA);
Mr. Macphison Kenneth of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Venerable Rock Odeka of the Nigeria Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (CWIN); and other development partners underscored the importance of the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign to child survival and public health security.
The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininimi Oseji; Honourable Commissioners; wives of Local Government Chairmen; as well as nursing mothers and school children, reflecting broad-based support for the vaccination campaign across all segments of society.
The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign is expected to significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality while reinforcing Delta State’s commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable development.
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