The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has flagged off the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, describing it as a vital investment in the health, safety and future of children across the state.
The campaign, officially launched on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, will run until February 9 and is expected to cover all communities in Delta State.
Speaking through the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, Deaconess Oborevwori said the exercise went beyond a routine health programme, noting that it was a deliberate effort to protect families from preventable diseases and strengthen public health outcomes.
“We are gathered not only to launch a critical public health initiative, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to a healthier, safer and more secure future for the children and people of Delta State,” she said.
She noted that measles and rubella, though preventable, remain highly contagious and dangerous, especially for children, with the potential to cause severe complications such as blindness, deafness and death if left unchecked.
“The good news is that these diseases are entirely preventable through vaccination. By vaccinating our children, we are strengthening the health security of Delta State and contributing to a healthier Nigeria,” she added.
According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine will be administered to children aged nine months to 14 years, while routine immunisation services will also be provided for children aged zero to 23 months.
She described timely and complete immunisation as a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, stressing that quality healthcare delivery remains a core pillar of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
“By giving our children these vital protections, we are investing in their future and offering them the opportunity to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives,” she said.
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Deaconess Oborevwori called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders to support the campaign by ensuring all eligible children are presented for vaccination, while urging cooperation with health workers deployed across the state.
She also commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners and frontline health workers for their commitment to the success of the exercise.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, warned that measles and rubella are dangerous viral diseases capable of causing severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death. He added that rubella poses a grave risk to unborn children through Congenital Rubella Syndrome when contracted during pregnancy.
Represented by a Director in the ministry, Dr Chris Iwegbu, the commissioner explained that vaccination would be carried out at health facilities, schools, churches and community centres across the state.
He expressed confidence that with the support of parents, community leaders and health workers, no child would be left unprotected, while commending Governor Oborevwori for prioritising healthcare under the MORE Agenda.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Nigeria Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (CWIN) and other development partners, who underscored the importance of the campaign to child survival and public health security.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Mininim Oseji; commissioners, wives of local government chairmen, nursing mothers and school children.
The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign is expected to significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality, while reinforcing Delta State’s commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable development.
