Borno Primary Healthcare Board Organizes Sensitization Workshop For Journalists On Measles Rubella Immunization

By; SÀDIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri

The Executive Secretary, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BOSPHCDB), Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji has urged the media to support the board in its state wide flagged off measles and rubella integrated campaigns to sensitize, advocate and mobilize the public on the needs, impacts, importance and benefits of MR campaigns.

Professor Arab stated this on Thursday in his welcome address at a one-day sensitization training workshop on Measles and Rubella Integrated Immunization Campaign for Media Organizations in Borno State held at the NUJ Press Center Conference Hall Maiduguri.

Represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, BOSHCDB, Hajiya Fati Ali, he added that the objectives of Media Orientation on Measles Rubella Integrated Campaign is to increase Knowledge and Awareness.

Others include, equip journalists, from radio and television stations as well as reporters from the print industry (newspapers) and online editors, alongside the social media managers with accurate, up-to-date data on the MR campaign’s goals, target population, timelines, and key messages.

The Executive Secretary noted also that the workshop was aimed at promoting accurate and consistent messaging between and among the media organizations to ensure that all media professionals understand the approved MR

Communication messages, slogans, and talking points to avoid misinformation and maintain consistency across the radio, television ,print , online and digital platforms (social media).

Professor Arab noted that media play a great roles in information dissemination in the society and serve as important media base and orientation for the forthcoming Measles-Rubela (MR) integrated campaign, stressing that, media remains a critical partner in our collective effort to protect children from vaccine- preventable diseases.

“Your platforms reach every household and community, making you key drivers of accurate information. public trust, and community mobilization.

” Today’s session will brief you on the campaign objectives, key messages, and your ole in promoting timely and correct information. Together, we can counter misinformation, address vaccine hesitancy, and ensure that every eligible child is reached.

“I urge you to engage actively, ask questions, and use your platforms to amplify he call or parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination,” Prof. Arab said.

The State Immunization officer BOSPHCDB Ali D. Gambo presented paper on Measles Routine Integration, Aim and Objectives of the Integrated MR Campaign which is to contribute to the reduction of measles and rubella incidence in Nigeria to <5 cases/million by 2026 and 1 case/million in 2030 by increasing population immunity through vaccination. He said it is also to achieve 95% measles-rubella vaccination post campaign coverage among children aged 9 months <15 years in all implementing states, achieve greater than 85% coverage of measles zero dose children in all implementing states and at national levels. According to him," it is to strengthen the immunisation system by using the 225 SUA microplanning to improve performance, 21 and strengthen AER surveillance to.achieve 90% coverage with OP12 in states conducting polio campaign". Mohammed Salisu from World Health Organization (WHO) spoke on public health implications like the risk assessment, populating the measles risk analysis template for comprehensive risk assessment and analysis as perimeter for response and monitoring to the transmission of the measles. He added that there are three stages of measles risk, namely, Low risk , moderate risk and high risk measles risk analysis because the diseases are highly contagious body sensitive organs with severe complications such as pneumonia and red eyes, cough, etc, especially in young children as it even cause death among young children as German measles typical cases in children and adults even during pregnant women can test as Congenital Rubella Syndrome According to him, the Risk Assessment which is a systematic proces to identify related , and priority potential risks or threats that coud negatively impact pubic health or programme implementation Conducted using an Excel-based tool developed by WHO which is updated annaly and reviewed quarterly at the LGA level. He said the Measles Risk Assessment: being a process used to evaluate areas not meeting measles programmatic target to Guide and strengthen measles elimination program achieved, reduces the likelihood and potential impact of measles often in specified population. He noted that it also helps identify immunity gaps and improves population inmuty guides efforts to strengthen or expand immunization, it has 4 categories of indicators while rationale for Measles Rubella Vaccine in Nigeria contributes significantly to the burden of measles, rubella and o/PV2 goal in Africa, 54% for polo, second highest for measles after DRC). Rubella Starts the drive towards reducing the incidence of Congenital beda syndrome (CPS) and interrupt transmission of Polio, Measles and Rubella infections Strengthen Routine Immunisation. State Health Educator Babakura Ali, from BOSHCDB presented PowerPoint on the roles of the journalists the Measles- Rubella integrated campaigns highlighting on the which informed the vital role of the media to disseminate the information across board , particularly, the risks, implications and effects which are highly contagious and viral disease characterized by fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and a distinctive maculopapular rash. He said it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals, pointing out that, Measles is a leading cause of death among young children worldwide while Rubella which is , also known as German measles, typically causes mild illness in children and adults. "Because Rubella infection during pregnancy can result in severe birth defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) Image Source IOR Nigeria. Hence Measles is a highly contagious and deadly and disease caused by Measles virus. " It spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. While Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious disease caused by the Rubella Virus. It presents like a mild form of Measles disease. "Children under 5 years, especially, the unvaccinated are most at risk in addition to Pregnant women, People with RUBELLA weakened immune system, including the elderly, and Malnourished individuals. "By focusing on specific, localized aspects of the programme, microplanning can help achieve more effective and efficient outcomes," Babakura said. He further explained how. Measles and rubella are transmitted contagious in 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears whereas Rubella is contagious 7 days after rash onset as Airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes, Direct contact with an infected person and Rubella can be transmitted from Mother to child through the placenta. The State Health Educator said anyone can get Measles or Rubella.However, children under 5 years, especially the unvaccinated are most at risk in addition to Pregnant women, People with weakened immune system, including the elderly, and Malnourished individuals. By focusing on specific, localized aspects of the programme, microplanning can help achieve more effective and efficient outcomes while the MR Vaccine is a safe and effective combination vaccine that protects against both Measles and Rubella. "It is safe, effective, and widely used globally. This vaccine helps reduce the incidence of both diseases and prevents Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). And measles and rubella can be prevented through vaccination at 9 months and 15 years as eligible period for children to practice good hygiene." He maintained that after the campaign, the vaccine will be available for all children at 9 months and 15 months, as part of Routine Immunization. The vaccine is available in all vaccinating public health facilities and temporary immunization posts, noting that government has paid for the vaccines, and will be availed to all eligible children at no charge. "Babakura noted that like any vaccine, Measles-Rubella Vaccine can have Vaccine side effects that are mild and usually go away after a Effects few hours or days. They may include pain, redness or swelling at injection site, fever and rash. "While in case of any unusual symptoms, it should not be treated at home. People should report to the nearest health facility immediately, for the health worker to document and take necessary action," he said.