UNICEF AND OTHER PARTNERS, SUPPORT BAUCHI GOVERNMENT TO FIGHT MEASLES -RUBELLA
From Muazu Hardawa, Bauchi
Bauchi State field office of the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) commended Bauchi State government and other health agencies for proper mobilisation of parents and children to come out for accepting measles and rubella vaccine.
UNICEF, GAVI and other donor agencies in collaboration with Bauchi State government intensified efforts to protect children of 0-14 years from measles and rubella diseases through massive vaccination to houses and schools across the 20 local governments of Bauchi State.
Partners in collaboration under Bauchi State government ensured to reach every child to receive life saving vaccine against preventable diseases.
In his remarks during the preset ten days exercise, UNICEF communication officer Mr. Opayemi O. thanks media colleagues for good reports and headlines leading to highlight the good campaign of joint effort by the Bauchi State government and other partners for development.
He also said that the measles -Rubella vaccine campaign is a key component of the organisation partners under
Bauchi State government to achieve the vaccination coverage in the state and country in general.
UNICEF is also strengthen awareness and social mobilization with collaboration of Bauchi State government and non governmental organisations such as Mama to Mama and others to ensure that no child left behind.
Our reporter witnesses the exercise at maternity clinic Bayan Fada and Emir palace maternity Clinic, Bakaro Primary school and other places in Bauchi, where the children are coming in massive turnout to receive measles and rubella vaccine from health workers and the integrated SISs vaccination card was issued to them.
Parents and teachers also provided full support to ensure smooth coordination.
In his remarks, UNICEF Ward supervisor Malam Yahuza Haruna expressed that over 5000 children are targeted to receive measles rubella vaccination in his area daily.
Bauchi local government health education officer Malam Mohammed Bashir thanks Bauchi State government, UNICEF, WHO, GAVI and other partners for technical and logistic support, noting that the early sensitisation campaign and community mobilisation contributed to high turnout with zero non compliance.
Mama to Mama and Father for good Health and other local advocacy groups applauded the role played by UNICEF in driving the good community awareness campaign which helped to booster public moral support and confidence during vaccination exercise.
Bauchi State government with other partners working in joint initiatives to safeguard childrens health by promoting routine immunisation to move the country closer to achieve the goal of eliminating measles and rubella from Nigeria.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed Executive Secretary, Bauchi State primary Health care development agency, in his interview with our reporter about the nature of MR disease, expressed the Measles -Rubella vaccine as a safe and effective combination of vaccine protects children against the diseases. It is also safe effective and widely used globally to reduce the incidence of both diseases and prevents congenital Rubella syndrome.
All children from nine month to 15 month are to get the routine immunisation which is available at all health facilities and vaccination centres freely to all children.
The measles -Rubella vaccine is tested and effectively by WHO and NAFDAC while it certified world wide.
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