Ukorebi Esien | 14th February 2025
CALABAR —The Cross River State Government has assured the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) of its commitment to an aggressive awareness campaign ahead of the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine in Nigeria.
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, gave this assurance when a delegation from the agency, led by its Zonal Consultant, Dr. Rock Odeka, paid him an advocacy visit in his office on Friday.
Dr. Ekpang emphasized that the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine marks a significant step in preventing the spread of these diseases, which pose serious health risks, particularly to pregnant women and young children.
"My boss, His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on whose magnanimity I serve as Commissioner for Information, is deeply committed to the healthcare and well-being of Cross Riverians. He will do everything within his power to ensure the success of this initiative," Ekpang stated.
Although the Federal Government has slated the vaccine rollout for October 2025, the commissioner noted that the state would begin awareness creation immediately to encourage public acceptance and ensure residents take ownership of the initiative.
Dr. Ekpang also commended the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, led by Dr. Vivian Mesembe Otu, and its partners, including the World Bank, for their recent support. He highlighted that the donation of 196 laptops to health officers for digitalizing health records contributed to Cross River being ranked the number one state in routine immunization coverage in Nigeria for 2024.
He further praised the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, for her impactful leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to mobilize relevant stakeholders for the advocacy campaign.
Early Awareness to Prevent Rejection
In his remarks, Dr. Rock Odeka described the Measles-Rubella vaccine as a "game-changer" and explained that the early awareness campaign was necessary to avoid rejection, similar to what was experienced with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in some quarters.
Offering further insight, he noted that the vaccine is a two-in-one solution designed to prevent both measles and rubella infections.
The State Coordinator of NPHCDA, Dr. Idorenyin Nta, and the State Health Educator, Mrs. Nsa Ekpenyong, emphasized that the vaccine has a high efficacy rate of 95%-100% in clinical trials. According to them, it is usually administered to children between 12-15 months but can also be given to children as young as nine months. It is also recommended for older children, adolescents, and adults, particularly healthcare workers and women of childbearing age.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong, commended the NPHCDA team for prioritizing an advocacy visit to the state's media office. She assured them of massive public orientation and sensitization on the new vaccine, noting that it was in the best interest of the people.
"As dedicated servants of Cross River State, we are committed to fostering a healthy and prosperous society where people can thrive in harmony with one another and nature," she stated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects. The introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine is, therefore, a crucial intervention in safeguarding public health.
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