NAWOJ Issues Urgent Call, Ebonyi Mothers Urged to Support Measles and Rubella Vaccination
NAWOJ Issues Urgent Call, Ebonyi Mothers Urged to Support Measles and Rubella Vaccination. The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, has launched a powerful advocacy drive as part of the NAWOJ Ebonyi measles and rubella vaccination appeal, calling on mothers and caregivers to prioritize the upcoming health intervention.
Ahead of the statewide exercise scheduled to run from February 4 to February 14, 2026, the association emphasized that immunization remains the most reliable shield against preventable childhood diseases. State Chairperson Nkechinyere Oginyi stressed that the campaign is a critical moment for families to safeguard their children’s futures against the dual threats of measles and rubella.
Working in alignment with the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) and UNICEF, NAWOJ’s intervention aims to reach every household in the state’s 13 Local Government Areas. The organization noted that while the state has made significant strides in healthcare under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the success of this phase depends heavily on the proactive participation of women who serve as the primary health decision-makers in their homes.
The appeal focuses on educating the public about the severe nature of these viral infections. Measles is identified as a highly contagious respiratory disease that can lead to fatal complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling). Rubella, or “German Measles,” poses an even more insidious threat to the unborn; if a pregnant woman is infected, the virus can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), leading to irreversible birth defects such as blindness, deafness, and heart abnormalities.
The NAWOJ Ebonyi measles and rubella vaccination appeal highlights several key pillars of the 2026 campaign:
- The Safety Guarantee: The vaccines provided are certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and have been tested for potency and safety.
- Cost Free Access: The state government and partners have fully funded the exercise, ensuring that no family is charged for the life-saving shots.
- Flexible Delivery: Vaccination teams will be stationed at fixed posts in hospitals and temporary mobile points in markets, churches, mosques, and schools to maximize reach.
NAWOJ has committed to using its media influence to dismantle vaccine hesitancy and “fake news” that often plagues public health drives. Nkechinyere Oginyi pointed out that journalists are the “custodians of information,” and their role in the hinterlands is to reassure parents that the minor side effects, such as mild fever or a temporary rash, are natural signs that the child’s immune system is building protection.
The association’s mobilization strategy involves direct engagement with women’s groups and religious leaders to ensure that “no eligible child is missed” during the ten-day window. With the northern region of Nigeria already having vaccinated over 80 million children in the previous phase, the southern states, including Ebonyi, are now under pressure to close the national immunity gap.
As the February 4 start date approaches, the synergy between the media, the state government, and international partners like UNICEF and the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC) represents a robust front against childhood mortality. NAWOJ reiterates that a healthy child is the bedrock of a productive and prosperous society. Mothers are encouraged to look out for the trained health workers who will be deploying in teams of two, supported by community ad hoc staff, to ensure that the 2026 elimination target for measles and rubella in Nigeria becomes a reality.