The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening nationwide immunization efforts.
Remi Tinubu also expressed confidence that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination drive in Rivers State will record unprecedented success.
She made this known during the official launch of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.
Senator Tinubu was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara.
The initiative, implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, seeks to protect millions of women and children from preventable illnesses.
Rivers State is part of the Fourth Stream of Phase One states in Africa’s largest-ever health campaign, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV.
The state-wide rollout is scheduled for February 2026, focusing on children aged nine months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Remi Tinubu affirmed, “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past.
“Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
In a statement by the Press Unit, Government House, the First Lady underscored the dangers of Measles and Rubella, describing them as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” and warned that Rubella, in particular, can cause severe birth defects when contracted by pregnant women.
Remi Tinubu also acknowledged the efforts of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu for their coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, religious and traditional leaders, and the security sector.
She urged parents and guardians to support the campaign.
The Deputy Governor Prof. Odu applauded the Renewed Hope Initiative for its continuous contributions to public health in Rivers State, describing the programme as “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She particularly lauded the inclusion of the HPV vaccine, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) Rivers State Coordinator, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, commended the synergy between the RHI and the State Government, describing the initiative as “a worthy step in the right direction,” while reaffirming WHO’s commitment to achieving health equity.
