Imo health agency urges measles vaccination to prevent birth defects

 Imo measles vaccination campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years to prevent heart defects, blindness and congenital cataracts

The Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency has urged parents and caregivers to vaccinate children aged nine months to 14 years against measles and rubella, warning that failure to do so could result in severe complications including holes in the heart and congenital cataract.

Also read: Ondo Mpox vaccination drive targets high-risk groups amid 12 confirmed cases

The appeal was made by the agency’s Executive Secretary, Ms Kosilisochukwu Ekenjoku, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Uchechukwu Odom, during a one-day sensitisation meeting with health stakeholders and community groups held on Friday.

Dr Odom described rubella, also known as German measles, as a major cause of heart defects and childhood blindness, stressing that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.

He said children within the targeted age group were the most vulnerable to infection and transmission, accounting for about 42 per cent of those at risk.

According to Dr Odom, the immunisation exercise will run from February 4 to 15, 2026, and will be conducted in schools, churches, mosques and communities across Imo State.

He added that the diseases are highly contagious and pose serious risks to pregnant women, potentially leading to lifelong disabilities in newborns.

“We appeal to journalists to help sensitise our people to present their children for vaccination. It is safe and prevents blindness, congenital cataract, deafness and holes in the heart,” Dr Odom said.

He disclosed that the campaign is targeting at least 2.6 million residents across the state.

Supporting the call, Dr Ezeogu, representing the International Association of Paediatricians, said measles and rubella could be devastating but are entirely preventable through timely vaccination.

Representatives of the World Health Organisation, Ms Chiamaka Okoro, and IVAC, Adophus Okoro, warned that vaccine refusal could result in preventable and irreversible harm.

Also read: Yobe State intensifies efforts to reach 80% vaccination coverage by 2026

The meeting, attended by representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association, media organisations and other health stakeholders, highlighted the urgent need for public cooperation to protect children and reduce the burden of preventable childhood diseases in the state.

Quadri Olaitan