Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Abia State’s First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has called on key stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign reaches grassroots communities.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Arungwa, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, she tasked the wives of local government mayors and community leaders with mobilizing mothers and caregivers for the campaign.
“As wives of mayors, I am giving you these responsibilities, and it is my expectation that you will carry them out diligently,” she urged, emphasizing the need for active involvement in sensitization and supervision.
Mrs. Otti highlighted the dangers of misinformation, which has fueled vaccine hesitancy in many communities.
She reassured stakeholders, stating, “The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and saves lives. Yet, we continue to face resistance due to myths, fear, and misinformation.”
Addressing common misconceptions, she debunked false claims linking the vaccine to infertility and other unfounded fears.
She emphasized the importance of accurate information and urged community leaders to leverage their influence in dispelling rumors that deter families from vaccinating their children.
The meeting also featured key officials, including Dr. Kalu Kalu, Director of the State Primary Healthcare Agency, and the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Chris Onwuegbu.
They reiterated the significance of vaccination in disease prevention and encouraged stakeholders to ensure the campaign reaches the most vulnerable populations.
“Do all possible to cascade the campaign down to the grassroots,” they implored, stressing the collective responsibility in safeguarding children’s health across the state.
