Lagos, Nigeria – The Edo State Government, in partnership with national and international health organisations, has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop in Benin City for health workers in preparation for the 2026 Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign.
Organised by the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with IVAC, ASLK, NPHCDA, WHO, and UNICEF, the training targeted IVAC technical assistants drawn from five priority Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Collaboration is essential in meeting our immunisation goals,” said Mr. Jerry Osawe, NPHCDA Zonal Technical Officer, while Dr. Rachel Osagie led a practical session on micro-plan data verification.
The sessions covered topics such as community engagement, micro-planning, stakeholder mobilisation, data monitoring, and implementation strategies. Participants were tasked with ward-level validation, reactivating health committees, and updating school health contact lists.
The workshop concluded with a post-training evaluation to gauge the readiness of field officers ahead of the campaign.
Coinciding with the training, the state also commemorated World Breastfeeding Week 2025 at New Era Primary Healthcare Centre in Benin City, themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
Representing the EDSPHCDA Executive Secretary, Dr. Idemudia Osayomore emphasised, “Exclusive breastfeeding offers infants vital nutrients and immune protection.”
Supporting this, Dr. Ehimwenma Usiosefe urged families to help mothers breastfeed, while Mr. James Uwaifo of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria advised, “Babies should be breastfed every two to three hours.”
Mrs. Amenze Phil-Imade warned against giving infants water, stressing that breast milk alone is adequate for the first six months.
