In Taraba State, approximately 1.6 million children aged between nine months and 14 years are set to receive the measles-rubella vaccine as part of a comprehensive immunization drive reaching every corner of the region.
This health-crisis/” title=”How Predictive Analytics Can Revolutionize Public … Before the Next Crisis Strikes”>vaccination campaign, scheduled to span 10 days, also includes administering the polio vaccine to children from birth up to 59 months old. Additionally, girls who have reached nine years of age will be given the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.
Recognizing the importance of this initiative, the Taraba State Government has urged healthcare professionals, development agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to collaborate closely to ensure every eligible child benefits from the measles-rubella immunization effort.
During the official launch of the campaign in Jalingo, the state capital, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, the First Lady of Taraba State, emphasized the necessity of a collective approach to eliminate these diseases from the state.
She reiterated the government’s dedication to safeguarding children’s health by preventing the spread of measles and rubella, stating, “Together, we must guarantee that no child misses out, making measles and rubella a thing of the past in Taraba.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bodiya Buma, the First Lady encouraged parents and guardians to bring their children to designated health centers and outreach points for vaccination.
She reassured the public that the vaccines provided are both safe and effective, playing a vital role in protecting children’s well-being.
Highlighting the severity of measles and rubella as health risks for Nigerian children, Dr. Nuhu Tukura, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, stressed that these illnesses can be prevented through prompt and widespread immunization.
Dr. Tukura further explained that the current campaign aims to boost vaccination rates and shield thousands of children throughout Taraba’s communities.
The launch event saw the participation of traditional rulers, community representatives, health experts, and development partners, all of whom committed to supporting the government’s goal of completely eradicating these diseases.
Health authorities expressed confidence that this vaccination drive will greatly lessen the impact of preventable diseases in the state, advancing Taraba toward universal immunization coverage.
