The Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC) to strengthen efforts aimed at eliminating measles and rubella in the state.
As part of the initiative, the agencies held a media sensitisation workshop in Abakaliki to mobilise public support ahead of the second phase of the Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign.
The exercise targets children between 9 months and 14 years, with health authorities urging parents and caregivers to ensure full participation to curb the spread of the preventable diseases.
The statewide vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place from February 4 to February 13, 2026.
Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Secretary of EBSPHCDA, Dr Emeka Phillip Ovuaba, emphasised the critical role of journalists in public health awareness.
“Information saves lives, and journalists are central to driving awareness. The people of Ebonyi State should know that the second phase of the Measles and Rubella vaccination begins from February 4 to 13, 2026,” he said.
Dr Ovuaba described measles as a highly contagious viral infection spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, while noting that rubella—commonly known as German measles—often presents milder symptoms but carries serious risks, especially for pregnant women.
Also speaking, UNICEF Health Consultant, Mr Frank Nwodika, warned that rubella infection during pregnancy could result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
“Rubella can be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her unborn child, leading to complications such as blindness, deafness, heart defects, and brain damage,” he explained.
The State Technical Assistant of IVAC at Johns Hopkins encouraged parents to take advantage of the free vaccination by visiting designated health centres across the state.
Similarly, the State Health Educator, Prince Benson Nwali, called on community leaders, religious groups, and residents to support the campaign to ensure full coverage and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Health officials reaffirmed their commitment to achieving high immunisation coverage as part of broader efforts to improve child health outcomes in Ebonyi State.
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