NAWOJ Ebonyi Urges Mothers To Embrace Measles–Rubella Vaccination, Commends Govt’s Public Health Commitment

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, has called on mothers, caregivers, and guardians across the state to ensure that their children and wards participate in the upcoming Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination exercise.

The call was made ahead of the second phase of the Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign scheduled to take place from February 4 to 13, 2026, across Ebonyi State. In a statement signed by the State Chairperson, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, NAWOJ emphasized that immunization remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect children from preventable diseases and significantly reduce child mortality.

Oginyi described measles as a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that spreads rapidly through coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact, particularly affecting unvaccinated children. She explained that Rubella, also known as German measles, although often mild in children, poses serious health risks to pregnant women, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital birth defects. According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and critical to safeguarding the health of children and the wider community, noting that widespread vaccination is key to preventing disease outbreaks and strengthening long-term public health security. The NAWOJ Chairperson commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained investment in preventive healthcare and child-focused health programmes, describing the MR vaccination campaign as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting children’s lives and strengthening the state’s healthcare system. The statement further revealed that NAWOJ has pledged its full support towards community mobilization, public sensitization, and countering misinformation surrounding vaccines. The association also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote maternal and child health, peace, and sustainable development in Ebonyi State. NAWOJ therefore urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with health officials by taking advantage of the free vaccination exercise, stressing that a healthy child remains the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society.