… Say government commences campaign against Rubella disease
By Solomon Attah,
Lafia
Nasarawa State Government has confirmed over 40 cases of measles outbreak in Taliga village of Rukubi electoral ward in Doma local government area of the state.
Gaza Gwamna, the State Commissioner of Health, confirmed the disease outbreak at a one day stakeholders engagement meeting for the introduction of measles and rubella vaccine into the routine immunization schedule.
The Health Commissioner said, he was informed by the authority from the affected community on the outbreak.
“It is saddening to let you know that, I woke up with a text message that there is an outbreak of measles in Taliga village of Rukubi Doma local government area of the state.
“The outbreak was massive, where over 40 cases of the measles was confirmed by the authority.”
He said the event is coming at a time the government is putting more effort on immunization of children from child killer diseases.
Gwamna, assured that with the robust health team and programme put in place by the state government, the government will not relent in it interventions.
“If the state government was able to content with COVID-19 and became first in the country, the Rukubi Measles outbreak shouldn’t be a challenge as government has already sent a team of health personnel to content with the disease.”
Meanwhile, ahead of the commencement of Rubella vaccine in October this year, Nasarawa state government expressed it readiness to ensure all eligible children are immunize against rubella measles in the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, at the event said the disease is real and has affected a number of lives particularly babies.
Governor Sule m, who was represented y his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, described Rubella as a contagious viral infection, best known by its distinctive red rash.
He said, parents are pains as a result of Rubella because the negative changes on the body of their babies frustrate them.
“This informed the decision of the federal government to introduce the vaccines into our routine immunization schedules, not just a a public health initiative but as a testament of our collective commitments to the well-being of every stakeholders in nasarawa state”.
He said, the Rubella vaccines which is to be administered on children from 9 to 15 months is safe, effective and has been used successfully in countries across the globe.
“It is instructive to say that the vaccine offers us a powerful shift against the threat”.
“As ordered, the integration of measles and Rubella vaccines into our existing immunization programmes is a deliberate proactive and decisive measure towards building healthier and more resilient generations”.
He also informed the stakeholders that the success of the initiative is hinge on collective efforts and desire to impact.
Earlier, Iskilu Sale, the State Executive Secretary Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said the vaccine is safe and the overall goal is to mobilize support and sustain commitment from government official, as well community leaders for the effective integration and continue use of Rubella vaccine into the routine immunization.
The event was organized in collaboration of the office of the state first lady and state primary healthcare development agency.
