By Ikenna Oroha
The Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ISPHCDA), Dr. Kosilisochukwu Ekenjoku, has said that vaccination helps protect children from measles, rubella, polio, and other deadly diseases.
She therefore urged parents and caregivers to always ensure that their children are fully immunized.
Dr. Ekenjoku made this statement during a one-day media engagement meeting with journalists, held last week at the ISPHCDA office in Umuguma, Owerri.
She explained that vaccines do not treat diseases but prevent them, stressing that the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine is a safe and effective combination vaccine that protects against both measles and rubella and is widely used across the world.
According to her, the MR vaccine helps reduce the incidence of the two diseases and prevents Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). She added that the vaccine can be administered alongside other routine childhood vaccines, noting that it is safe and does not interfere with the effectiveness of other vaccines.
The Executive Secretary reminded parents that MR vaccines are free of charge and warned that measures have been put in place to identify and penalize any health worker who collects money from parents for immunization services. She commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for funding the vaccines.
“For this campaign, all children aged nine months to 14 years are eligible to receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine. After the campaign, the vaccine will be available for children at nine months and 15 months as part of routine immunization. The vaccine will be available in all public health facilities offering immunization services and at temporary immunization posts,” she said.
She further disclosed that vaccination will commence on February 4, 2026, and run through February 16, 2026, while routine immunization will continue. According to her, the campaign will be officially flagged off on February 3, 2026, by the wife of the Governor.
Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Okoro Adolphos stated that measles and rubella contribute significantly to childhood deaths, adding that vaccination campaigns help reduce both disease burden and mortality.
Also speaking, Mr. Bright Okereke urged stakeholders to work closely with health authorities to ensure proper sensitization and successful immunization within communities.
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