Measles–Rubella Campaign: NAWOJ calls for mass participation in Ebonyi

*Vaccination exercise holds February 4–13, 2026

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, has called on mothers, caregivers, and guardians across the state to actively participate in the upcoming Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign by ensuring that their children and wards are vaccinated.

The call was made ahead of the second phase of the Measles–Rubella vaccination exercise scheduled to take place from February 4 to 13, 2026, across all communities in Ebonyi State.

In a statement signed by the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, the association emphasized that immunization remains one of the most effective and affordable strategies for preventing childhood diseases and reducing child mortality.

Comrade Oginyi described measles as a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that spreads rapidly through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected persons, particularly affecting unvaccinated children. 

She noted that rubella, also known as German measles, though often mild in children, poses serious health risks to pregnant women, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital defects in unborn babies.

According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and critical to protecting not only children but the wider community. She stressed that widespread vaccination helps prevent disease outbreaks and strengthens long-term public health security.

The NAWOJ Chairperson commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained investment in preventive healthcare and child-centred health programmes, describing the MR vaccination campaign as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of children and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

She further stated that NAWOJ is fully committed to supporting the campaign through community mobilisation, public enlightenment, and the fight against misinformation surrounding vaccines. The association, she said, will continue to support policies and programmes that promote maternal and child health, peace, and sustainable development in Ebonyi State.

NAWOJ urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with health officials and take full advantage of the free vaccination exercise, noting that a healthy child remains the foundation of a healthy and productive society.