BREAKING: Abia First Lady Launches Measles Vaccine Drive, Enlists Mayors’ Wives

The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has mobilised wives of mayors and community leaders to lead grassroots campaigns across the state in support of the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination rollout.

Addressing stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia on Friday, Mrs. Otti described vaccine hesitancy as a threat to child survival and urged women in leadership positions to take the lead in sensitising their communities.

“As mothers, community leaders, and role models, we have a shared responsibility to protect the health of our children. The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and saves lives. We must not let myths and misinformation stand in the way,” she said.

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Ahukwa, Mrs. Otti lamented Nigeria’s low measles vaccine coverage of 60% for the first dose and 38% for the second compared to global averages of 83% and 74% respectively.

She linked the statistics to frequent outbreaks, noting that in the first half of 2023 alone, Nigeria recorded 297 outbreaks, 16,000 suspected cases, and at least 70 deaths.

“This is unacceptable and preventable,” she stated, adding that false claims linking the vaccine to infertility and sinister agendas were fuelling resistance.

The First Lady called on the mayors’ wives to mobilise mothers, caregivers, and traditional leaders, as well as support vaccination activities at the local government level.

“You have direct access to women in your communities. Speak to them in churches, market squares, and homes. Let them know vaccinating their children is an act of love and responsibility,” she urged.

Mrs. Otti further disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners like WHO, UNICEF, and Community Wellness Initiative Nigeria (C-WIN), is retrofitting 200 primary healthcare centres to serve as vaccination sites offering broader maternal and child healthcare.

She tasked the mayors’ wives with five responsibilities which includes mobilising parents for the vaccine flag-off, advocating support from their spouses and stakeholders, supervising local campaigns, intensifying community awareness to reach at least 95% coverage, and leading the LGA-level rollout.

“The success of this campaign is in your hands. Let this meeting mark the beginning of a powerful movement to protect our children,” she said.

THE WHISTLER reports that the event brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives, all of whom pledged commitment to ensure that the state-wide vaccination campaign becomes a success.