The Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency will begin a measles-rubella vaccination campaign across all 21 local government areas on October 16.
This was announced by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr Suleiman Bashir, during a media engagement in Yola on Wednesday.
Bashir said the 10-day campaign was aimed at boosting the immunity of children aged between nine months and 14 years.
He emphasised that the vaccine was free, safe and effective, urging journalists to support the campaign by helping to dispel misconceptions, misinformation and rumours about vaccination.
Also speaking, the agency’s Director of Disease Control, Dr Jacob Vasumu, said the engagement was designed to raise awareness about the importance of the measles-rubella vaccine.
He added that the strategies were targeted at achieving at least 95 per cent coverage and tackling vaccine-related misinformation.
“The media plays a vital role in influencing public behaviour and improving vaccine acceptance,” he said.
The State Immunisation Officer, Umar Bahuli, explained that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that could cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and even death, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals.
He noted that rubella, though usually mild, posed a serious risk during pregnancy as it could lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), resulting in severe birth defects.
Bahuli said a two-day mop-up exercise would follow the 10-day campaign to ensure all targeted children were reached.
Representing development partners, Dr Mansur Kurfi, WHO Technical Assistant in Adamawa, called on the media to fully understand the campaign’s goals for accurate and impactful reporting.
He also commended the agency’s commitment to improving primary healthcare in the state.
(NAN)