EDUCATION
Aba North Takes Measles–Rubella Vaccination Drive to the Streets, Targets Children Aged 0–14 in Massive Public Health Sensitisation
Aba North Local Government Area has intensified its Measles–Rubella Vaccination campaign, taking the awareness drive directly to the streets in a colourful and far-reaching road show aimed at sensitising residents on the importance of routine and targeted immunisation for children.
The campaign focuses on protecting children between the ages of 0 and 14 years against preventable diseases, with health officials reiterating the urgent need for parents and guardians to present eligible children for vaccination. The exercise also covers routine immunisation for children aged 0 to 23 months, Measles–Rubella vaccination for children from 9 months to 14 years, Polio vaccination for children aged 0 to 59 months, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged 9 years, as well as interventions against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC).
The sensitisation road show was led by the Wife of the Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Lady Nina Iheke, who mobilised health workers, key health stakeholders and council staff to ensure widespread community engagement. The team moved through major roads and markets, interacting with residents and traders, while educating them on the life-saving benefits of immunisation and disease prevention.
The road show commenced from the Aba North Local Government Council Headquarters in Eziama-Aba and proceeded through Abak Road to Salad Market, Railway Road, Factory Road, and Eziukwu Road, passing through the Fresh Fish Market to Ama Ogbonna Market. From there, the campaign train moved through Osusu Road to Faulks Road, continued to Brass Junction, and later returned to the council headquarters.
Residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary, especially in densely populated areas where preventable diseases can spread rapidly.
Health officials used the opportunity to reassure parents about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, while urging full participation to safeguard the health and future of children in Aba North.
The Aba North Local Government Area reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and ensuring that no eligible child is left behind in the ongoing vaccination and disease-preventio
n efforts.