Adamawa Govt Intensifies Measles-Rubella Immunization To Safeguard Children

YOLA —‎By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

‎‎The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and with funding support from GAVI, has intensified efforts to protect children from preventable diseases through the ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign.‎‎The campaign, which has recorded a massive turnout across various local government areas, particularly in Yola South, aims to eliminate measles and rubella infections among children.‎‎ Health officials say parental awareness has increased significantly, leading to a sharp reduction in vaccine hesitancy, especially in northern communities.‎‎Eki George, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Specialist for the Bauchi Field Office—which covers Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, and Adamawa States—commended the high level of participation among parents.‎‎“The turnout from mothers, fathers, and children has been remarkable,” George said. “It shows the strong mobilization efforts by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care team and the growing trust of families in vaccination campaigns.”‎‎George noted that with the support of UNICEF, fathers have become active advocates for immunization, leading initiatives under the “Fathers for Good Health” group to encourage other men to bring their children for vaccination.‎‎“We’re seeing fathers take responsibility and lead by example in protecting their children’s health,” he added.‎‎One parent, Mohammed Kasim, shared that he learned about the campaign through social media and local mobilization efforts.‎‎“Children who are not vaccinated are at risk of dangerous diseases,” he said. “I don’t want my child to be a victim, so I brought him for vaccination.”‎‎A caregiver who gave her name as Caroline Nwala emphasized that awareness among parents has grown, resulting in very low rejection rates.‎‎“Parents now understand the risks of not vaccinating and the importance of protecting their children,” she explained.‎‎The chairman of the Father’s for Good Health inactive in Hadarawo Ward, Yola South, Umaru Ali, described their role as crucial in mobilizing communities.‎‎“We partner with the government and other organizations to organize sensitization campaigns in religious and community centers,” he said. “Parents now embrace vaccination, and fathers proudly accompany their wives and children to immunization sites.”‎‎Health officials say the strong community response reflects the impact of continuous collaboration among the federal and state governments, UNICEF, WHO, and GAVI in promoting child survival and wellbeing.‎‎The campaign not only provides life-saving vaccines but also strengthens public confidence in routine immunization as a key component of child health.‎