The Wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of ‘You Matter Foundation’, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has flagged off the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, describing the exercise as a critical investment in health, safety, and future of children across the state.
The campaign which was officially launched at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday, is scheduled to run till February 9, covering all communities in the Delta State.
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori who was represented at the flag-off ceremony by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, said the exercise was more than a routine health programme, saying it’s a deliberate effort to safeguard families from preventable diseases and strengthen public health outcomes in Delta 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, remain highly contagious and dangerous, particularly to 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 will be administered on nine months to 14 years children, while routine immunisation services would be provided for children aged 0 to 23 months.
She explained that providing children with timely and complete immunisation was a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, saying that the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to quality health care delivery, was unwavering and remained a cornerstone 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.
She further emphasized that the initiative aligned with the MORE Agenda of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration, which places 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.
She called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders to actively support the campaign by ensuring that every eligible child was presented for vaccination, while also appealing for cooperation with healthcare workers deployed across the state.
She said: “Together, we can ensure that our children are protected, our families thrive, and our communities flourish”.
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.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has warned that measles and rubella are dangerous viral diseases capable of causing severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death, adding that rubella poses a serious threat to unborn children through Congenital Rubella Syndrome when contracted during pregnancy.
The Health Commissioner who was represented by a Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, explained that the vaccinations exercise would take place at health facilities, schools, churches and community centres, and assured that with the commitment of healthcare workers and the support of parents and community leaders, no child would be left unprotected, just as he commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritising healthcare under the MORE Agenda.
In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Efe-Aluta Oniovo, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Associate Prof. Uzochukwu Ofonakara, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mr. Macphison Kenneth, Nigeria Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (CWIN), Venerable Rock Odeka, 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.) Mininim Oseji, Honourable Commissioners, wives of Local Government Chairmen, as well as nursing mothers and school children, whose presence underscored the 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.
