The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on stakeholders to step up awareness and support for the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled in Kogi State from Oct. 4 to 13.
The appeal was made during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) in collaboration with UNICEF, held on Friday in Lokoja.
Dr Abdulrahman Hudu, UNICEF’s Health Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Consultant, described measles-rubella as a highly contagious viral illness that could lead to severe complications such as brain damage, blindness, and even death.
He emphasised that the disease had no cure and urged the public to prioritise vaccination as a preventive measure, noting that the MR vaccine was 95 per cent effective and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“By supporting the MR vaccination campaign, we are protecting our children, reducing outbreak risks, and promoting community well-being,” Hudu said.
He also highlighted the importance of SBC in fostering community engagement and driving behavioural change for better health outcomes.
Mr Shittu Momoh, the State Vaccine Mobilisation Officer, stressed the critical role of stakeholders in community mobilisation, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
He called for support in areas such as capacity building, advocacy to decision-makers, and securing resources.
The campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years across all 21Llocal Government Areas of Kogi State.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including religious leaders, NGOs, MDAs, youth and women groups, commended the government and partners for their efforts and pledged to intensify awareness efforts through advocacy, public events, and interpersonal communication.
