Rivers Govt Begins Measles Vaccination

The Rivers State government has launched a measles vaccination campaign for children in its 23 local government areas.

The campaign, which commences today, October 12, will run through October 18 and will be followed by a mop-up that will take place between October 19 and October 20.

The vaccination targets children aged between 9 and 59 months aimed at preventing sicknesses such as severe diarrhea, dehydration and neurological complications associated with measles among children.
Briefing newsmen yesterday at the Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of the vaccine stating that the ministry aims to reach the targeted children directly in their communities through schools and religious institutions.

Oreh called on community leaders, parents and other stakeholders to join hands in making the campaign a success by bringing forward their children and wards as well as sensitising their community members.
Oreh lamented that there has been a downward trend in measles vaccination both globally and nationwide.