…Urges Full Participation
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has pledged the state’s full support to the Federal Government’s proposed immunisation programme aimed at eliminating measles and rubella, set to be launched in October 2025.
Governor Sule, represented by his deputy , Dr Emmanuel Akabe, made the commitment during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lafia on Tuesday.
The Governor stated that his administration would sustain the prioritisation of the health and wellbeing of residents, particularly children.
He noted that the vaccination will not only protect children but also strengthen the economy and healthcare system.
“I strongly endorse the measles-rubella vaccine to be introduced by the Federal and state governments as well as development partners in October, 2025. Measles and Rubella are highly contagious that can cause deafness, blindness, heart defects, brain damage and even death in children.
“Thankfully, the measles-rubella vaccine provides safe and effective protection. I therefore urge all parents, guardians, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders, health workers and community influencers to ensure that children aged 9 to 15 months receive this lifesaving vaccine,” he said.
Sule urged stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, women groups, and community influencers, to support the incorporation of the measles and rubella vaccine into the routine vaccination exercise.
He assured that his administration would make the vaccine available and accessible in all healthcare facilities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Usman Saleh commended Governor Sule for demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of children in the state by endorsing the measles-rubella vaccination exercise.
He noted that the two-in-one vaccine provides effective protection against measles and rubella, which can cause serious complications such as deafness, blindness, heart defects and brain damage.
“The overall goal is to mobilise strong support and sustain commitment from government officials and community leaders for the effective integration of the muscles-rubella vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule,” he added.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for attending the meeting despite their busy schedules .
He assured that the state would lead in the vaccination exercise, building on its success during the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
The Voice reports that the meeting was organised by the Nasarawa State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, the office of the First Lady and the Centre for Wellbeing and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS).
