The Jigawa state Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHDA), with support of development partners, has engaged media practitioners in carrying out a vigorous public campaign against Measles and Rubulla slated for October 4-10 this year.
DAYLIGHT REPORTERS reliably gathered that the meeting aimed to engage media practitioners for the success for the success of the exercise.
Speaking during the one day meeting with the media, Acting State Immunisation Officer Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim Kazaure said the campaign is scheduled to be conducted in October across the 27 local government areas of the state.
Participants at the meeting were drawn from a wide range of media organisations, each of which had a representative in attendance, including other stakeholder’s.
According to Kazaure, the objectives of the engagement were to create public awareness on the Integrated MR Campaign, promote acceptance, and uptake of all vaccines.
He added that the media practitioners were also expected to address myths, rumours, and misinformation about immunisation, as well as mobilise caregivers and communities to participate actively and accept vaccines.
The Acting SIO further explained that the Measles – Rubulla vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects children against Measles and Rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases that can cause severe illness, disability, and even death.
“Measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and blindness, while Rubella is particularly dangerous in pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects”, he said.
Kazaure added that his initiative of engaging media people had once again underscores the commitment and proactive leadership of JSPHCDA in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the people of Jigawa State.
He assured of more commitment from the agency to demonstrate excellence in coordinating health interventions, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.
