The nationwide vaccination campaign to protect Nigerian children against the airborne measles-rubella (MR) diseases, has recorded a significant milestone in Plateau State as over 60% household avail their wards for the exercise.

 The MR vaccination is the intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Plateau State Government, and other development partners including UNICEF

 A twelve (12) days timeframe is slated for the ongoing exercise and moap up, targeting children between the ages of 9 months to 14 years respectively.

Our correspondent who monitored the development on Thursday, day six of the exercise is some communities within Jos North local area, reports that the level of compliance is appreciable in some places while in some is non.

It was also gathered that some children that refused vaccination cite parental consent.
For instance, in Al-Iman private school, No 3 Dogon-Dutse road, Naraguta B ward, Jos North LGA the school housing over 2,000 students. Rose Ayuba Dalyop, supervisor of team 101 confirmed that the school stand out the best among the schools they visited so far.

"We haven’t had any challenges here. Al-Iman Private School has given us full compliance and support. So far, we have visited three schools, and this one stands out for its total cooperation."

However, the situation is not the same at Al-Hadhanat High School as the principal Mrs. Mary Emmanuel, expressed challenges faced in the past. "Whenever health workers from the local government, healthcare centers, or UNICEF visited my school, I used to take things into my own hands by allowing children to be vaccinated without informing their parents first.

"That caused problems because some parents came to the school to challenge me, asking why I didn’t seek their permission before vaccinating their children. I even received insults from some of them.

"After that experience, I took precautions. Now, whenever I receive a letter or notice about such an exercise, I first contact the parents before any vaccination takes place.
"Now things are much better. The community is more understanding. After creating awareness and explaining the importance of vaccination to children’s health, I now get very good cooperation  at least 80 percent of the population participates", the principal revealed.

Dr.Oluseyi Olusunde, UNICEF Nigeria Health Officer, who highlights the implications of measles-rubella, said measles and rubella are both dangerous viral diseases.

According to Olusunde, "Measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Rubella, on the other hand, can lead to serious outcomes such as birth defects, miscarriage, and fertility issues, especially when contracted by pregnant women.

"That is why we are administering the combined Measles-Rubella vaccine to protect children and strengthen community immunity. The target group for this campaign is children aged 9 months to 14 years.

"Alongside the MR vaccine, we are also administering the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Nigeria has made great progress in eradicating polio and has been certified free of wild poliovirus transmission, but we must continue to boost immunity to prevent any resurgence.

"Our goal is to ensure that at least 90% of children in the state are vaccinated to achieve community protection.

"The campaign is covering all 17 local government areas and 325 wards across Plateau State. No ward will be left behind. Even in areas with security challenges, we are working with the military to conduct “hit-and-run” vaccination exercises to ensure every child is reached", he mentioned.