Yobe Engages Media for Major Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive

In a strategic move to ensure the success of an upcoming statewide health initiative,the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board is rallying media support for a comprehensive Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign.

The Board hosted a one-day mobilization dialogue on Thursday, bringing together journalists and social media influencers.

Also with partners including UNICEF, WHO, and the Gates Foundation, the campaign aims to serve as a model for efficient health service delivery across Nigeria and Africa.

The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina said,the campaign will run from October 18th to 28th, followed by a two-day mop-up operation.

Represented by the Director of Immunization, Dr. Umar Chiromari, Dr. Machina charged the media with a critical role in mobilizing the public,raising awareness, and combating vaccine misinformation.

He explained,the campaign's key components,which include; a new combined Measles-Rubella vaccine for children aged 9 months to 14 years,continued polio vaccination (nOPV2), routine immunizations, and the distribution of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention drugs.

According to him,other components are house-to-house token distribution for mosquito nets, redeemable on November 7th.

Dr. Musa Matazu is a representative for the Bill and Melinda Gates and Aliko Dangote Foundations underscored the media's duty to disseminate information with integrity.

He also addressed the challenge of vaccine hesitancy, stating, "People often believe fake information from online sources over the credible advice of local medical professionals. 

'The campaign's success hinges on effective communication to ensure community participation in these life-saving services," said Dr. Matazu