The Bayelsa State Government has commenced the introduction of the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine in Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA), following a town hall meeting.
The event held on 27 November was organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Primary Health Care Developmein Sagbama LGAnt Agency (NPHCDA), in partnership with the Centre for Wellbeing and Integrated Nutrition Solutions, to sensitise stakeholders on the forthcoming vaccination campaign.
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Mrs Alice Allen, Executive Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Council, expressed appreciation to the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, for improving access to affordable healthcare across Bayelsa.
Represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Comrade ThankGod Ebilamowei, Mrs Allen said the local government was committed to aligning with the state’s ASSURED Prosperity initiative by replicating impactful health programmes within Sagbama.
She emphasised that strengthening primary healthcare delivery remained a priority, particularly in safeguarding children from preventable diseases.
Mrs Allen urged parents, caregivers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to ensure their children and wards receive the free Measles and Rubella vaccine once the campaign begins.
Highlighting Sagbama’s past achievements in public health, the Chairman pointed to the successful polio eradication efforts, the establishment of the Food and Nutrition Committee, and other health promotion programmes aimed at improving nutrition and preventing communicable diseases.
According to her, these interventions form part of a broader strategy to educate residents on disease prevention and the need for proactive health-seeking behaviours.
During the meeting, the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer, Mr Musa Kennard Bolouzigha, alongside the Head of Department, Chief Oyinbunugha Dabrilagha, outlined key facts about the MR vaccine.
They noted that Measles and Rubella are highly contagious but easily preventable through timely vaccination. The vaccine, they said, is safe, effective, and offered at no cost to eligible children aged nine months and above.
The organisers stressed that vaccination protects children from life-threatening complications such as blindness, pneumonia, and brain damage, while also contributing to Nigeria’s national goal of reducing child mortality and disability.
They assured the public that trained health workers would administer the vaccines and called for strong community support to ensure widespread participation during the campaign and routine immunisation sessions.
Community leaders were also present at the meeting, including the Amananaowei of Sagbama Federated Communities, His Highness Ojo Magbisa, who commended the council leadership.
He praised Mrs Allen’s proactive approach to governance, noting that her swift response to crucial issues was exemplary. The traditional ruler extended his goodwill to the Chairman and prayed for her continued strength.
The South-South region is scheduled to hold its Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in February 2026, with Sagbama LGA preparing ahead to ensure children across the area benefit from the life-saving initiative.
