From Abubakar Abdullahi, in Lafia
A case of measles outbreak has been established in Rukubi Community of Doma local government area of Nasarawa State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Gaza Gwamna confirmed the disease outbreak at a one day stakeholders engagement for the introduction of measles and rubella vaccine into the routine immunization schedule.
The Health Commissioner said he was informed by the authority from the affected community on the outbreak.
“It is saddening to me to let you know that I woke up with a text message that there is an outbreak of measles in Rukubi community of Doma local government area of the state”.
He said the event is coming at a time the government is putting more effort on immunization.
Gwamna assured that the state is not relenting considering the robust health team put in place by the state government.
He said if the state was able to content Covid and became first in the country the Rukubi Measles outbreak shouldn’t be a challenge as government has already sent a team of health personnel to content the disease.
Meanwhile, ahead of the commencement of Rubella vaccine in October this year, Nasarawa state government expressed readiness to ensure that all eligible children are immunize against rubella measile in the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of the state who stated this at the event said the disease is real and has affected a number of lives particularly babies.
Represented his Deputy Governor Emmanuel Aiabe, Governor Sule described Rubella as a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash.
He said parents are pains as a result of Rubella because the negative changes on the body of their babies frustrate them.
“This informed the decision of the federal government to introduce the vaccines into our routine immunization schedules not just a a public health initiative but as a testament of our collective commitments to the well-being of every stakeholders in nasarawa state”.
He said the Rubella vaccines which is to be administered on children from 9 to 15 months is safe, effective and has been used successfully in countries across the globe.
“It is instructive to say that the vaccine offers us a powerful shift against the threat”.
He maintained that “as ordered, the integration of measles and Rubella vaccines into our existing immunization programmes is a deliberate proactive and decisive measure towards building healthier and more resilient generations”.
He also informed the stakeholders that the success of the crucial initiative is hinge on collective efforts and desire to impact.
Earlier, State Executive Secretary Primary healthcare development agency said the vaccine is safe and the overall goal is to moblise support and sustain commitment from government official as well community leaders for the effective integration and continue use Rubella vaccine into the routine immunization.
The event was organized in collaboration with the office of the state First Lady and state Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
