By Joy Salami
Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has flagged-off the Measles Integrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) campaign, an initiative aimed at protecting children from measles, a deadly but preventable disease.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Lokongoma Health Facility in Lokoja.
Represented by the Special Adviser, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Honourable Sandra Musa, the Kogi State First Lady, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient healthcare services.
Hajia Ododo emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s health, stating that the campaign was part of the government’s effort to ensure no child succumbs to preventable diseases.
The campaign targets children aged 9 to 59 months, administering two doses of the measles vaccine to build immunity against the virus.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease that poses significant risks, especially to children.
Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Abubakar Yakubu,provided an overview of the disease, including its symptoms, causes, and prevention.
He explained that symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after infection and include high fever, red eyes, fatigue, runny nose, and a cough. Other symptoms, such as sore throat, muscle pain, and sensitivity to light, may follow.
Dr. Yakubu highlighted national statistics that revealed over 16,000 suspected cases of measles and 70 child fatalities between January and June 2024.
While Kogi State has not recorded any cases, he called for vigilance and urged families to take advantage of the campaign.
He expressed confidence in achieving 95% immunization coverage and reducing the risk of outbreaks in the state.
Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullazeez Adeiza, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health,Mrs. Dorcas Omeneke, reiterated the state’s commitment to reducing measles infections through widespread vaccination.
Mrs. Apeh Ajuma, the State Immunization Officer, emphasized the importance of educating families about the benefits of early vaccination. She noted that the campaign is designed to encourage parents to protect their children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The event featured goodwill messages from various stakeholders, including Hon. Ochidi Shehu Usman, Chairman of the House Committee on Health; Dr. Aledare Adekunle, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency; and traditional rulers like HRH Alh. Dr. Usman Obaje, the Ejeh of Dekina, and King Bukar Ali Khalid II, the Ohiogba of Mozum.
Partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and AFENET also pledged their continued support for the state’s immunization efforts.
In his closing remarks, the State Epidemiologist and Project Coordinator, Dr. Austin Ojotule, praised the efforts of development partners and stakeholders in collaborating with the state government to ensure every eligible child is reached with these life-saving vaccines.
With the successful launch of the SIAs campaign, Kogi State is taking a significant step toward eradicating measles and safeguarding the health of its children, ensuring that no child is left behind.
