Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed his strong support for the upcoming immunization campaign against measles and rubella, which is backed by the federal government and Gavi.
The initiative, set to launch in October, aims to eliminate these highly contagious diseases that pose severe health risks to children.
During a ceremony at the Government House in Lafia on Sunday, Governor Sule emphasized the importance of this campaign in safeguarding the health of the state’s children, stating, “I strongly endorse the measles-rubella vaccine… Measles and rubella are highly contagious that can cause deafness, blindness, heart defects, brain damage and even death in children.”
The event was marked by an advocacy visit led by Dr. Usman Iskilu, the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa Primary Health Care Development Agency, along with officials from the Centre for the Wellbeing and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) and local government leaders.
Governor Sule urged residents to actively participate in the vaccination initiative, highlighting that it not only protects children but also strengthens the state’s economy and healthcare system.
He remarked, “In line with the renewed hope agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, our government is committed to making this vaccine available and accessible.”
Furthermore, Governor Sule reiterated his administration’s commitment to public health, particularly for children, and announced plans to collaborate with Gavi on establishing a vaccine production factory in the state.
He stated, “We are not the richest state but we are one state that is rich in our commitment… Our commitment is to ensure that all these little children that have come to the world through Nasarawa State are given the proper care to develop soundly.”
The Governor called on traditional and religious leaders, health workers, and community influencers to support the campaign to ensure comprehensive coverage and eliminate measles and rubella from the state.
