By Ummulkulchumi Hammanadama
The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, under the Office of the First Lady of Adamawa State, has organized a one-day sensitization event on the importance of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
Speaking at the event held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola, the First Lady, Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, emphasized the need to intensify efforts to safeguard the lives of children across the state.
Fintiri noted that Measles and Rubella (MR) are highly contagious diseases that can lead to severe health complications and pose risks to pregnant women. She stressed the need for collective action to combat the diseases and promote a healthier society.
The First Lady highlighted the vaccine’s role as essential to public health, stating that it reduces the financial burden on families and aligns with the United Nations’ health programs aimed at ensuring societal well-being.
While appreciating her fellow governors’ spouses and other stakeholders for making the event a reality, Lami Fintiri called on all stakeholders to ensure credibility and efficiency in administering the MR vaccine doses when the campaign begins in October.
She also urged parents to support the initiative and ensure their children are vaccinated.
In his remarks, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Health, Felix Tangwame, revealed that the state experienced an outbreak of the disease last year, which led to a delay in the resumption of schools. He noted that, thanks to the swift intervention of healthcare workers, the spread was contained.
Tangwame added that non-compliant communities contributed to the outbreak, but expressed hope that the ongoing sensitization campaign would play a significant role in curbing the disease.
He commended Governor Fintiri for his strides in infrastructure development across all sectors, especially health. He described sensitization as a strategic approach to mitigating the menace and urged the Office of the First Lady to extend the campaign to grassroots communities.
The Commissioner also called on citizens to ensure regular immunization of their children.
Speaking on behalf of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Bashir sulaiman appreciated the First Lady for facilitating the distribution of the MR vaccine to all designated centers. He disclosed that the disease had been recorded in 18 local government areas in the state. The first batch of vaccines is scheduled for rollout in October, with the final phase to be implemented in January.
Bashir commended the efforts of the state government and traditional leaders for their tireless support.
A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Visa Tyakaray, thanked stakeholders and partners for their proactive measures against measles and rubella. Tyakaray described measles as a highly contagious disease, especially among children, and applauded the First Lady’s timely intervention.
He added that the WHO Rapid Response Teams are actively working to ensure that every child receives the required two doses of the measles vaccine to reduce the disease’s impact and build community immunity.
In a paper presentation on the dangers of Measles and Rubella, Dr. Fatima Baba, a consultant from Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital, representing Dr. Wasinga S. Bulus and Dr. Gana Ahmed, focal persons for the First Lady’s MR campaign, explained that both diseases are vaccine-preventable childhood illnesses that can lead to serious complications.
She identified high fever, red eyes, and widespread rashes as common symptoms and emphasized that the diseases spread rapidly but can be safely prevented through vaccination. She noted that the vaccine is typically administered to children aged 9 months to 15 years, and also targets women and children through routine immunization programs.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, Murum Bula Boltam Bentley Biyapo commended the state government and the Governors’ Spouses Forum for the timely intervention, stating that it would go a long way in preventing the spread of the disease.
He expressed appreciation to the partners and parents for their efforts in protecting children and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.
Highlights of the event included a drama presentation emphasizing the importance of child vaccination.
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