ASABA — The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, officially launched the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign at Government House, Asaba. Describing the initiative as a vital investment in the health, safety, and future of children across the state, she emphasized that the exercise goes beyond routine immunization to serve as a deliberate strategy for protecting families from preventable diseases and advancing public health resilience.
The campaign, scheduled to run from January 31 to February 9, 2026, will target children aged nine months to 14 years with the combined Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine, while also offering routine immunization services for infants aged zero to 23 months. It will be implemented statewide, with vaccination points established at health facilities, schools, churches, community centres, and other accessible locations to maximize reach and coverage.
Speaking through the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, who represented her at the flag-off ceremony, Deaconess Oborevwori highlighted the profound risks posed by measles and rubella—highly contagious viral diseases that can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, and death in children. Rubella, in particular, poses a grave threat to unborn babies if contracted during pregnancy, potentially causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome with lifelong disabilities.
“The good news is that these diseases are entirely preventable through vaccination,” she stated. “By vaccinating our children, we are strengthening the health security of Delta State and contributing meaningfully to a healthier Nigeria.” She underscored that timely and complete immunization represents a long-term investment in human capital, equipping young people to lead healthy, productive lives and supporting sustainable development goals.
Deaconess Oborevwori linked the campaign directly to the MORE Agenda of her husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which prioritizes accessible, quality healthcare as a cornerstone of governance. “This initiative reflects the administration’s unwavering resolve to prioritise the health and well-being of every citizen,” she said. “It is more than a campaign; it is a vision built on hope, resilience, and our belief in the power of collective effort.”
The governor's wife appealed to parents, caregivers, community leaders, religious figures, and traditional rulers to mobilize eligible children for vaccination. She urged full cooperation with healthcare workers deployed across the 25 local government areas, stressing that community participation is essential to achieving high coverage and herd immunity.
She commended the Delta State Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), frontline health workers, and development partners—including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and others—for their dedication and technical support. Their collaboration ensures the campaign aligns with national guidelines and global best practices for measles and rubella elimination.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by Director Dr. Chris Iwegbu, reinforced the dangers of the targeted diseases and assured residents that no child would be left unprotected with the commitment of health teams and community backing. He praised Governor Oborevwori for placing healthcare at the forefront of the MORE Agenda, which encompasses meaningful development across infrastructure, rural advancement, education, and health.
Goodwill messages from partner organizations underscored the campaign's significance. WHO representative Dr. Efe-Aluta Oniovo, NPHCDA's Associate Professor Uzochukwu Ofonastasa, UNICEF's Mr. Macphison Kenneth, and others highlighted the MR vaccine's role in child survival, disease prevention, and public health security. They noted that measles remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable child mortality in Nigeria, while rubella eradication efforts contribute to global goals.
The event drew a diverse gathering of dignitaries, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Kingsley Emu, Head of Service Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, honourable commissioners, wives of local government chairmen, nursing mothers, and schoolchildren—symbolizing broad societal endorsement for the initiative.
This statewide drive forms part of Nigeria's ongoing integrated immunization efforts, with Phase 2 of the Measles–Rubella campaign targeting southern states including Delta in early 2026. It aims to vaccinate millions of children, reduce morbidity and mortality, and reinforce preventive healthcare amid challenges like low routine immunization coverage in some areas.
By addressing these preventable threats head-on, the Oborevwori administration seeks to lower child illness and death rates, empower families, and build a healthier Delta State. The campaign's success depends on widespread awareness, trust in the vaccine, and active community involvement to ensure every eligible child receives protection.
As the exercise unfolds, health authorities continue to monitor progress, address any logistical hurdles, and engage stakeholders to sustain momentum. The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign stands as a testament to Delta State's dedication to child welfare, preventive medicine, and a future where no child is lost to diseases that science has already defeated.
