The First Lady of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have urged mothers to ensure their children receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, set to be introduced in February 2026.
The call was made at the 3rd Anambra State Women’s Health Summit, organized by the Healthy Living Initiative in Awka, in collaboration with WHO and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Winifred Onodu, WHO’s Measles-Rubella Disease Programmes Officer in Anambra, described Rubella as a highly dangerous virus, particularly for pregnant women.
“Rubella is closely related to measles but is more dangerous and deadly.
“If a pregnant woman contracts Rubella, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome, which can cause serious birth defects or miscarriage.
“This is why the government and its partners have introduced the Measles-Rubella vaccine into our routine immunisation to protect women and children,”she said.
Also speaking Dr. Mohamed Bonos, WHO Coordinator in Anambra, stated that the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign will run nationwide from Oct. 2025 to March 2026, with Anambra’s phase scheduled for February 2026.
“We encourage all mothers to spread this message within their communities to ensure our children are protected.
“We commend the Governor’s Wife and the Anambra State Government for fostering strong partnerships to promote the health of women and children,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nonye Soludo urged mothers to prioritize their children’s health by presenting them for immunisation.
“Vaccines are designed to protect your children. Do not deprive them of this essential health intervention.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine will soon be available. I encourage all mothers to ensure children between the ages of 9 and 14 years are immunised to prevent these life-threatening diseases.”
Soludo also emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as the greatest gift a mother can give her child.
“God-given natural breast milk is far superior to processed animal milk, which may contain unknown substances.
“Exclusive breastfeeding helps your child stay healthy, mentally alert and immune to many illnesses,” she said.
Addressing the issue of gender-based violence, she acknowledged the economic hardship facing families and encouraged women to foster peace in their homes.
“There is hardship in the land and everyone is affected. I advise our women to speak less and show respect in their homes,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, highlighted that the summit reflects Anambra’s strong commitment to improving the health of women and children.
During the summit, women received free medical services, including eye examinations and eyeglasses, as well as screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.