By Abujah Racheal
Cross River has recorded high acceptance of the measles–rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, driven by school sensitisation, community mobilisation, and coordinated efforts by health workers, government agencies, and development partners.
The campaign, part of Nigeria’s national effort to eliminate measles and rubella, is being implemented across all 18 local government areas of the state, targeting children aged nine months to 14 years.
Dr Vivien Mesembe-Otu, Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), said this on Tuesday in Calabar.
“The success recorded so far was due to strong collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, the media, and relevant government ministries”.
Mrs Mary Edet, a community health worker in Calabar Municipality, said frontline workers had worked closely with community structures to ensure no eligible child was missed.
“So far, we have not had any reports of side effects among the children,” she said.
She explained that mobilisation efforts were largely community-driven.
“We have a town announcer and mobilisers who go into the community to meet parents and guide them on where to bring their children for vaccination,” Edet said.
At Anointed Children International School, Head Teacher Mrs Teresa Kenneth said parental consent was largely obtained.
“Yes, we got consent from the parents. There was just one case where a mother said her child should not be vaccinated, but others accepted it,” she said.
Kenneth attributed the high acceptance to awareness efforts by the state and local governments.
“The acceptance was informed by the publicity carried out by the state and local governments. The health centre also brought an official letter to the school, which helped parents understand the importance of the exercise,” she added.
Mrs Arit Ewifon-Eso, Focal Person at Edim-Otop Ward 2, said: “The measles–rubella vaccine is an improved version of the routine measles vaccine and has contributed significantly to reducing measles cases in the state”.
A petty trader, Mrs Mary Etam, said she was committed to ensuring her child completed the full vaccination schedule.
“If my child doesn’t get the vaccine now, I will make sure they catch up with it later. We have to follow through,” she said.
Dr Hilary Ozoh, Social Behaviour Specialist at UNICEF Field Office, praised the campaign: “People were coming out, actively seeking the service.
“In some cases, children even came on their own. Our work initially focused on schools, and there was virtually no rejection”,
On the supply side, he commended the readiness of health workers and availability of vaccines.
“This is a modern state in terms of vaccine acceptance, especially for campaigns like measles,” Ozoh said.
Authorities urged parents and caregivers to present eligible children at health facilities, schools, and outreach points before the end of the campaign to ensure full protection. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
