Anambra First Lady Dr. Nonye Soludo Launches Grassroots Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
At a critical stakeholders’ engagement in Awka, the wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, unveiled a statewide advocacy initiative in preparation for the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine. The campaign, spearheaded through her Healthy Living Initiative, aims to protect children from preventable diseases and eliminate congenital defects caused by rubella infection during pregnancy.
Speaking passionately at the event, Dr. Soludo emphasized the urgency of collective action. “As a mother, woman, and public health advocate, I recognize this vaccination drive as a pivotal step toward securing the future of Anambra’s children,” she stated. “Measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that have caused unnecessary suffering and death among our young ones. With this combined vaccine, we now have a powerful solution to reduce child mortality, prevent lifelong disabilities, and safeguard future generations.”
The First Lady called on parents, community leaders, religious institutions, and stakeholders to actively support the immunization effort. “I urge every caregiver, traditional ruler, and faith-based organization to join this lifesaving mission. Together, we must mobilize our communities, dispel myths, and ensure no child is left unprotected,” she declared.
Dr. Bonos Mohammed, the World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, commended Dr. Soludo’s leadership and confirmed that the MR vaccine will be introduced in Anambra before the end of the year as part of global efforts to ensure child survival.
Adding his voice, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, highlighted the dangers of rubella in pregnancy, which can lead to severe birth defects. “This advocacy is crucial to achieving widespread acceptance of the vaccine and eliminating congenital rubella syndrome in our state,” he explained.
The event marked a decisive step toward strengthening Anambra’s immunization coverage, with a unified call to action: vaccinate every child, protect every future.
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