Measles and Rubella Vaccine; HFDI Urge Government On Proactive Measures, Takes Sensitisation To Markets
By Titilola Olaniyan,
Hope for Family Development Initiative HFDI has called on government to put up proactive measures that will protect the lives of children from contacting measles.
Adding that Nigeria is experiencing prevalent incidence of measles, HFDI called the attention of the government to low vaccination coverage failing to reach herd immunity levels of 95%.
This was disclosed by the HFDI Executive Director Ambassador Dr Aremu Stephen Akinyele who affirned that the Measles and rubella vaccines save lives and keep millions of people healthy, particularly children.
He stated that Measles is one of the most contagious diseases humans have ever faced, an ancient disease, described to be in existence as early as the 9th century by Persian physician and scholar Abū Bakr Muhammad Zakariyyā Rāzī (also known by the Europeanized name Rhazes).
He declared the readiness of the HFDI organisation to support the government in the Immunisation initiative that will protect women and children and others in Osun state.
Speaking further, Ambassador Aremu added that HFDI conducted community outreach program to create awareness in Osun state markes, adding that the health sensitization efforts aimed at promoting wellness and early detection among market traders and visitors.
The organisation urged the market men and women to be health conscious since measles is infectious and can be contacted easily at open space such as the market.
The measles awareness session was well-received, with many participants engaging in the discussions and asking relevant health-related questions.
The organisation also stated its resolve to take the community outreach on Measles and Rubella vaccination to other sector of the state such as schools, religious worship centres among others
Hope for Family Development Initiative HFDI sensitisation outreach is one of the highlighted key of the organisation based on the need for continuous community engagement in preventive healthcare in favour of the people.