By CHARLES IWUOHA

Nigeria has commenced Phase Two of the nationwide Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, a massive public health exercise aimed at immunising more than 102 million children across the country.

In Ebonyi State, about 1.6 million children aged nine months to 14 years are expected to receive the vaccine during the exercise scheduled from February 4 to February 14, 2026.

Speaking in Abakaliki on Saturday at a one-day media sensitisation meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA), Dr. Phillip Ovuoba, described the media as indispensable partners in achieving a successful campaign.

He said the programme was structured to ensure that every eligible child, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach communities, is captured.

“Information is power, and the media is the custodian of information in society. That is why we have engaged you to help us take this message to every corner of Ebonyi State so that no eligible child is left out,” Ovuoba stated.

The health officer assured residents that the state was fully prepared for the exercise and urged parents, caregivers, schools and religious institutions to cooperate with vaccination teams when they arrive in their communities.

Addressing lingering misconceptions about immunisation, he noted that resistance to vaccines had drastically reduced due to continuous advocacy and government commitment to quality healthcare.

“The era when people rejected vaccines is gone. Vaccination is a right, not a privilege. No church or school is rejecting this exercise; we are engaging everyone to ensure access to children wherever they are found,” he added.

Ovuoba emphasised that the MR vaccine is safe, effective and free of charge, funded by the Ebonyi State Government in partnership with the Federal Government and development partners.

“This vaccine has no serious complications. Parents should bring out their children so we can prevent diseases that cause deformities, blindness, deafness and even death,” he said.

Earlier, UNICEF Social Behavioural Change and Health Consultant, Mr. Frank Nwodika, gave an overview of measles and rubella, describing measles as highly contagious and potentially fatal, while rubella poses grave danger to unborn babies when contracted by pregnant women.

He explained that rubella infection during pregnancy could lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), resulting in birth defects such as blindness, deafness, heart problems and brain damage.

According to him, the MR vaccine is a safe, live-attenuated vaccine that boosts immunity without causing the disease.

“Vaccinating children breaks the chain of transmission and protects pregnant women and the wider community,” Nwodika said.

He added that vaccines would be administered at public health facilities and temporary posts by trained health workers, with measures in place to manage any minor adverse events.

The campaign is part of Nigeria’s strategy to eliminate measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome nationwide. While Phase One covered parts of northern Nigeria, Phase Two is focused mainly on southern states.

Health authorities have called on parents, community leaders, religious bodies and the media to support the initiative to ensure maximum coverage and safeguard children from preventable diseases

• Dr. Phillip Ovuoba, the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) takes delivery of items for the immunization