Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has launched grassroots advocacy in preparation for the introduction of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to prevent congenital defects and protect children.
Soludo, founder of Healthy Living Initiative, launched the advocacy during a stakeholders engagement on Thursday in Awka.
She said there was the need for stakeholders to look out for the health, growth and welfare of the children in the state.
“As a mother, woman and a public health advocate, I see this engagement as a critical step in our effort to protect our children — the future of our dear state, from preventable diseases.
“Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viral infections that have led to unnecessary suffering, complications and even deaths among our children.
“With the introduction of this combined vaccine, we now have a powerful tool to change that narrative — to reduce childhood mortality, prevent long-term disabilities and secure the health of future generations,” she said.
Soludo said the Measles-Rubella advocacy focused on building trust and raising awareness about the importance of immunisation.
“As the wife of the governor, I pledge my full support to this noble initiative.
“I call on parents, guardians, caregivers, community and religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders to join hands with us.
“Let us mobilise our communities. Let us protect our children. Let us say yes to vaccines and no to preventable diseases,” Soludo said.
Also speaking, Dr Bonos Mohammed, World Health Organisation state Coordinator, said the MR vaccine which would be introduce before the end of the year, was to ensure child survival.
Mohammed praised the Governor’s Wife for her dedication and tireless efforts in promoting the health of children and women.
“One of her distinguished interventions – the Healthy Living PAP for malnourished children in the state laudable and the WHO will give every necessary support,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Afam Obidike, state’s Commissioner of
noted that rubella infections during pregnancy continue to pose a serious but preventable threat to the health of newborns across Nigeria.
“This engagement is to step up advocacy efforts in preparation for the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine to prevent congenital Rubella syndrome.
“The advocacy to ensure widespread acceptance in all our communities in the state,” Obidike said.
The event also features the restocking of Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Pap intervention for malnourished children at the healthcare centres and general hospitals across the state.
