Measles Rubella Vaccine: C'River Assures FG of Aggressive Campaign

Measles Rubella Vaccine: C'River Assures FG of Aggressive Campaign

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has assured the National Primary Health Development Agency(NPHDA), that the State will do all within its ambit in ensuring that every resident become aware of the yet to be introduced, Measles Rubella Vaccine in the country.

Ekpang who gave the assurance when a delegation from  the agency led by its Zonal Consult, Dr. Rock Odeka paid him an advocacy visit to his office, Friday.

According to Ekpang, the introduction of the Measles Rubella Vaccine is a significant step towards preventing the spread of these diseases, which can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and young children.

"My Boss, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet on whose magnanimity I was appointed as Commissioner for Information is very passionate about the healthcare and well-being of Cross Riverians and will do anything humanly possible to achieve that.

Even though the administration of this vaccine is slated in October 2025 by the Federal Government, we are starting our awareness creation immediately to ensure that every resident takes ownership seat with the view to accepting this new vaccine which is meant to improve on their healthcare.

Let me use this opportunity to commend the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency led by our very dedicated and committed Dr Vivian Mesembe Otu and partners like World Bank who recently supported the State with 196 laptops to health officers to digitalize the health records and other prominent roles by others culminating in the State recently been ranked as the number state on routine immunization coverage in Nigeria for 2024 and 2024"

While commending his Permanent Secretary, Mrs Offiong Ani Offiong for her impactful managerial skill, he assured the visitors that with her, he was confident that of nothing but massive mobilization of relevant stakeholders to commence the advocacy campaign as soon as possible 

In his presentation, the Zonal Consultant, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Rock Odeka who described the vaccine as a game-changer, disclosed that the agency decided to start an awareness campaign early so that it will not face the kind rejection the HPV had in some quarters. 

Offering more insight to the efficacy of the vaccine the Consultant said, 'it's a two-in-one vaccine that will prevent both Measles and Rubella diseases

On their part, the State Coordinator, NPHDA, Dr. Idorenyin Nta and State Health Educator, Mrs Nsa Ekpenyong stated that, the Measles Rubella Vaccine is highly efficacious, with a success rate of 95%-100% in clinical trials. 

According to the duo, It's usually administered to children at 12-15 months, but can also be given to children as young as 9 months and that the vaccine is also recommended for older children, adolescents, and adults, especially those in high-risk groups such as healthcare workers and women of childbearing age

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong commended the State team for deeming it feet to start their advocacy visit to the image maker of the State and assured them massive public orientation and sensitization on the new vaccine which she noted is for the good of the people.

 As a privileged servant of the good people of Cross River, we want to bequeath a State with healthy and prosperous people living in harmony with human and nature," she added. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects"