The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Friday Warri, has urged stakeholders, traditional rulers, the president-general of communities, and school owners to prioritize the measles-rubella vaccine advocacy within their respective domains.
He made the call during the flag-off ceremony of the measles-rubella vaccine advocacy campaign at James Otobo Hall in Oleh, headquarters of the Isoko South Local Government Council.
The council boss emphasized that a known illness is rarely fatal, highlighting the severe implications of measles and other diseases that have claimed lives in the past due to inadequate knowledge and insufficient vaccination efforts.
“We all recognize the implications of measles, but thanks to various vaccines, most of these illnesses are becoming less prevalent,” Warri said.
He further noted that this highly lethal disease has claimed the lives of numerous children, including nursing mothers, and therefore, prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate its potential spread.
Warri subsequently urged everyone, particularly mothers, to disseminate the information about the measles-rubella vaccine, scheduled to commence in January 2026, at various gatherings, including markets, churches, meetings, and other social events.
He further urged traditional rulers, the president-general, and associations of private school owners to enlighten the children on the importance of receiving the measles-rubella vaccine.
“When you return home, please convey this message and inform others,” he said.
The Delta State Focal Person for the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), Mrs. Naomi Ogbakbah, stated that the vaccine can prevent over two million deaths.
She urged children between nine months and 14 years to take the vaccine when it becomes available in January 2026, emphasizing that it will be provided free of charge and is both effective and safe.
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The National Orientation Agency (NOA) representative in Isoko South, Ben Avre, also stated that prevention is preferable to cure, noting that measles-rubella disease is preventable.
He added that the NOA is working to disseminate this information to all parts of the local government.
The ceremony’s highlight was the official launch of the measles-rubella vaccination campaign, by Mrs. Abigail Warri, wife of the chairman of the Isoko South Local Government Area.
Mrs. Warri said Isoko South is classified as a low-risk area, yet targeted measures are necessary to ensure children aged nine months to 14 years, comprising over 40 percent of the population, receive the vaccine.
She also advocates for the implementation of sensitization programmes in various communities across the local government.
