First Lady of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, has called on women in the state to support the forthcoming Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign to curb the high rate of child mortality.
Hajiya Silifat made the appeal during an advocacy visit to Akwanga, Karu, Keffi, and Lafia Local Government Areas, where she engaged stakeholders on the importance of the exercise.
She stressed the critical role of traditional institutions in sensitizing their communities about the benefits of vaccination.
“We must prioritize the health of our children. I urge our traditional rulers to continue engaging with their subjects to promote the acceptance of the measles and rubella vaccines,” the First Lady said.
According to her, the campaign is a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady, the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) which stressed importance of the vaccine.
Speaking on the health risks of ignoring the vaccines, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Iskilu Usman Saleh, explained that both measles and rubella have similar symptoms and can be life-threatening if not prevented.
“The vaccine is a two-in-one dose and will be administered to children between the ages of five months and 15 years,” Dr. Saleh stated.
Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area and the State ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Safyanu Isa Andaha, pledged full support for the initiative.
“We are fully committed to the success of this campaign and will mobilize our communities accordingly,” he promised
Delivering goodwill messages, the Chun Mada, Pastor Samson Gamu Yare; the Esu Karu, Mr. Luka Panya Baba; and the Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa, endorsed the programme and urged the district, village heads, religious and community leaders, to ensure massive turnout and participation.
The statewide vaccination campaign is scheduled to commence in October 2025.
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