Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has launched an intensive awareness campaign to combat measles, rubella, and tuberculosis in rural communities.
Chairperson of the council, Mrs. Precious Osigwe, said the initiative aims to sensitise residents on the importance of vaccination and healthcare.
She thanked the Imo State First Lady for her commitment to strengthening the health sector, stressing: “We need to improve health indices through inclusive initiatives that support universal health coverage.”
Mrs. Osigwe urged women’s groups to spread the vaccination message across the LGA to ensure maximum participation.
Highlighting the dangers of the diseases, the Head of Department for Health, Mrs. Calister Onyejieme, described measles and rubella as “highly contagious viral diseases that can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and death.”
She reassured residents that these illnesses are vaccine-preventable and that the vaccines are safe and effective.
According to her, the campaign aligns with the health agenda of both state and federal governments, with the support of global partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
Executive Chairman of Owerri West LGA, Hon. Victor Osigwe, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his role in ensuring no child is excluded from the immunisation exercise.
He encouraged women to register for the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme (ISHIS) to improve access to healthcare services.
The local government reiterated its commitment to achieving universal health coverage through continuous grassroots sensitisation and vaccination outreach.
