By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has urged parents and guardians to avail their children to participate in the ongoing measles and Rubella vaccination exercise across the state.
In a statement by the Chairperson of the Association, Comrade Habiba Sam, and made available to newsmen in Benin City, the state capital stated that this timely opportunity for effective immunization will protect children from preventable diseases and future health challenges that could result in death.
The Association commended the Edo State Government, in collaboration with development partners, for organizing this vaccination exercise targeting approximately 2.2 million children aged between 0 and 14 years across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.
“The vaccination is being administered at designated health facilities and temporary vaccination posts, and is completely free of charge to all eligible children in government health facilities across the state.
“We urge parents, guardians, and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard the health and well-being of their children. We also call on religious leaders, community leaders, school authorities, and other key stakeholders to advise parents on the importance of vaccinating their children against measles and Rubella, which are major causes of death and congenital abnormalities among children globally.
We commends the organizers of this exercise and urges everyone to support this effort to eradicate child mortality and lifelong disabilities,” statement added.