The wife of the Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Mrs. Nelly George Henshaw, has officially flagged off the Measles–Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign in the area, urging parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure that all eligible children are presented for immunization.
Mrs. Henshaw performed the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday at the Primary Health Centre, Okopedi. She described the campaign as a vital public health intervention aimed at protecting children aged 9 months to 14 years from measles and rubella—two highly contagious but preventable diseases that can result in severe complications and, in some cases, death if not properly controlled.
As part of the ceremony, the Chairman’s wife presented essential support items to nursing mothers in attendance. The gesture was intended to promote maternal and child health while encouraging increased participation in the vaccination exercise. Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, which further highlighted her commitment to the wellbeing of women and children in the Local Government Area.
She explained that the campaign is designed to achieve full coverage across all wards in Okobo LGA and assured residents that the local government council, under the leadership of her husband, Engr. George Henshaw, is fully committed to providing the necessary support for effective coordination, logistics, and community mobilization.
Mrs. Henshaw also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, and other key stakeholders to support vaccination teams by encouraging parents and caregivers to cooperate and by helping to dispel myths and misinformation surrounding vaccines.
Commending the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Agency, the Health District, and development partners, she emphasized that the vaccines are safe, free of charge, and highly effective in preventing childhood illnesses.
The campaign was formally launched with the vaccination of children at the event, followed by the commencement of continuous vaccination activities across all communities in Okobo Local Government Area.
Speaking on the importance of the exercise, Dr. Grace Sampson, representing the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abuja, noted that measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths among children. She added that rubella infection in pregnant women can lead to congenital defects, stressing that the MR vaccine is a proven and effective tool for reducing child mortality and safeguarding future generations.
In her remarks, the Director of Primary Health Care in Okobo, Mrs. Margaret Mkpang, assured residents that health workers have been adequately trained and deployed to both fixed posts and outreach centres to ensure that no child is left behind. She encouraged parents to take full advantage of the exercise, noting that early vaccination is essential for building strong immunity in children.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Honourable Supervisor for Health, Okobo LGA, Mrs. Joe Ekpenyong, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and partners for their collaboration. She urged communities to take ownership of the campaign to guarantee its overall success.
The event attracted several dignitaries and key stakeholders, including the Local Government Immunization Officer, Mrs. Ukeme Akpan; the Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Atim Duncan; the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Okon Onukak; and the Cold Chain Officer, Mr. Mbikpom William. Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) were also in attendance.
Political and community leaders present included the Chapter Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okobo LGA, Hon. Nkoyo Uloh; a former Leader of the Okobo Local Government Legislative Council; former Special Adviser to the Local Government Council, Mrs. Victoria Andem; the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Ukoh; and the Women Development Officer for Okobo, Mrs. Uneh, among other stakeholders.
Their collective presence underscored the significance of the Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign and reflected a shared commitment to improving child health and strengthening routine immunization efforts in Okobo Local Government Area. The strong collaboration among health officials, development partners, political leaders, and community stakeholders signals renewed determination to ensure that every eligible child is reached, protected, and given a healthier future.
