The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has launched a grassroots advocacy campaign to promote acceptance of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine ahead of its official introduction in the state.
Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, led the advocacy during a stakeholders’ engagement on Thursday in Awka.
She emphasized the need to prioritize the health, growth, and welfare of children, noting that the MR vaccine is crucial in preventing congenital defects and reducing child mortality.
“As a mother, a woman, and a public health advocate, I see this engagement as a vital step in our collective effort to protect our children the future of our dear state from preventable diseases,” she said.
“Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viral infections that have caused unnecessary suffering, complications, and even deaths. With the introduction of this combined vaccine, we now have a powerful tool to change the narrative to prevent long-term disabilities and secure the health of future generations,” she added.
Dr. Soludo called on parents, guardians, caregivers, community and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative and help mobilize communities for widespread vaccine acceptance.
“As the wife of the governor, I pledge my full support to this noble initiative. Let us say yes to vaccines and no to preventable diseases,” she urged.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Bonos Mohammed, the World Health Organization (WHO) Coordinator in Anambra State, confirmed that the MR vaccine would be introduced before the end of the year. He commended Dr. Soludo’s leadership and commitment to child and maternal health.
“One of her notable interventions — the Healthy Living PAP for malnourished children is laudable, and the WHO will continue to provide the necessary support,” Mohammed stated.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, highlighted the dangers of rubella infections during pregnancy, describing them as a preventable threat to newborns.
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“This engagement is part of our broader effort to step up advocacy ahead of the Measles-Rubella vaccine rollout and ensure its widespread acceptance in all communities across Anambra,” he said.
The event also featured the restocking of Dr. Soludo’s Healthy Living PAP initiative for malnourished children, which supplies local healthcare centres and general hospitals across the state.
