…commends state’s commitment to child, public health
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, has called on mothers, caregivers and guardians across the State to ensure that their children and wards participate in the upcoming Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination exercise, describing immunisation as a critical shield against preventable childhood diseases.
The call was made ahead of the second phase of the Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for February 4 to 13, 2026, across all Lpcal Government Areas of the State.
Nkechinyere Oginyi, NAWOJ State Chairperson, in a statement, stressed that vaccination remains one of the most effective and affordable public health interventions for reducing child morbidity and mortality.
Oginyi explained that measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that spreads rapidly through coughing, sneezing and close contact, particularly among unvaccinated children.
She noted that rubella, also known as German measles, though often mild in children, poses grave risks to pregnant women, including miscarriage, stillbirth and severe congenital defects in unborn babies.
According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine is safe, effective and essential for protecting children and strengthening community immunity, adding that widespread vaccination helps to prevent disease outbreaks and ensures long-term public health security.
The NAWOJ Chairperson commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained investment in preventive healthcare and child-centred health programmes, describing the MR vaccination campaign as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of children and improving the state’s healthcare system.
She further disclosed that NAWOJ would continue to support the campaign through community mobilisation, public enlightenment and efforts to counter misinformation surrounding vaccines.
NAWOJ therefore urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the free vaccination exercise, emphasizing that a healthy child remains the foundation of a healthy and productive society.
