Measles Rubella: Igbo Imabana 1 Community Records 95 Percent Success with Over 6,000 Children Vaccinated
By Efa Sunday
Hope, relief and renewed confidence in child health filled the air in Igbo Imabana Ward 1, ABI local government area of Cross River State, as the ongoing Measles Rubella vaccination campaign recorded remarkable success within its first nine days.
The campaign, which commenced on February 4, has so far vaccinated over 6,000 children between the ages of nine months and 14 years, a milestone health officials describe as both encouraging and historic for the ward.
On the first day alone, a total of 1,332 children received the Measles Rubella vaccine. The momentum continued on the second day with 1,248 children vaccinated. Health teams moved swiftly across designated schools and communities, ensuring that eligible children were not left behind.
Speaking during the exercise, the Ward Focal Person, Mrs Egwu Onete Odum, affirmed that there has been no resistance to the vaccination since the programme began.
“We have not recorded any form of rejection or hesitation. The community has been very supportive and cooperative,” she said.
According to her, the success recorded so far was not accidental. The vaccination drive began with a strategic enlightenment campaign from 8am to 10am on February 4. Mothers, school teachers, traditional leaders and other key stakeholders were engaged and educated on the purpose of the programme and the importance of immunisation in preventing measles and rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases that can lead to severe complications in children.
After the sensitisation, the medical team proceeded to Community Primary School 1 and Community Primary School 2, where vaccinations were administered on the first day. On the second day, the team moved to Community Secondary School Igbo Imabana. Across the two days, a total of 2,580 children were vaccinated in the school outreaches alone.
Mrs Onete expressed satisfaction with the level of turnout and compliance, noting that the campaign has achieved about a 95 percent success rate so far.
“We are happy with the response from parents and guardians. It shows that awareness is increasing and people now understand the importance of immunisation,” she added.
Beyond the Measles Rubella vaccine, the health team also maximised the opportunity to administer other routine vaccines including Oral Polio Vaccine, Rota virus vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, thereby strengthening overall child immunity within the community.
Mothers who brought their children for vaccination shared their experiences and reasons for participating.
Mrs Elemi Margaret, who arrived early with her infant, said she was determined to protect her child from preventable diseases.
“I came because I want my baby to grow healthy. We were told about the dangers of measles and rubella and how vaccination can prevent them. I do not want to take any risk with my child’s life,” she said.
Similarly, Joyce Archie Bassey, another mother of an under one year old child, described the process as smooth and reassuring.
“The nurses explained everything clearly. There was no fear. They attended to us well. I believe this vaccine will protect my child’s future,” she said.
Health workers on ground maintained order and ensured that children were vaccinated in a safe and organised manner, while also updating records for proper monitoring and follow up.
As the campaign progresses beyond its ninth day, the turnout and acceptance in Igbo Imabana Ward 1 stand as a strong example of how community engagement, early sensitisation and collaboration with stakeholders can drive successful public health interventions.
With over 6,000 children already reached, the Measles Rubella vaccination campaign in the ward is not only preventing disease but also strengthening trust between health authorities and the community they serve.
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