Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, officially launched the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign on Thursday at Government House, Asaba.
The initiative aims to safeguard children’s health and strengthen public health outcomes across the state.
Scheduled to run until February 9, the campaign will reach communities statewide, providing vaccinations to children aged nine months to 14 years, while routine immunisations will continue for infants aged 0–23 months.
Speaking through Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, Wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized the program’s importance as more than a routine health exercise.
“This campaign represents a deliberate effort to protect families from preventable diseases and ensure a healthier, safer future for all children of Delta State,” she said.
She highlighted the dangers of measles and rubella, describing them as “highly contagious diseases capable of causing blindness, deafness, severe complications, or even death if left unaddressed.”
She reassured the public that vaccination is an effective preventive measure, contributing to the state’s health security and long-term human capital development.
The initiative is aligned with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, which prioritizes accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Deltans.
“By giving our children these vital protections, we are investing in their future and creating opportunities for long, healthy lives,” Deaconess Oborevwori added.
Parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders were urged to actively participate by ensuring all eligible children receive the vaccine and to cooperate with healthcare workers deployed across schools, churches, health facilities, and community centers.
The event drew wide participation from government and development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, and CWIN, all of whom emphasized the campaign’s role in child survival and public health security.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Commissioner for Health, reiterated the dangers of measles and rubella, warning that rubella infections during pregnancy can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome.
He assured that with the combined effort of healthcare workers, parents, and community leaders, “no child will be left unprotected.”
The campaign attracted dignitaries such as the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji; state commissioners; wives of local government chairmen; nursing mothers; and school children, reflecting broad-based support for the initiative.
The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign is expected to significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality in Delta State, reinforcing the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable development.
