NMA Blames Measles Outbreak in Rivers on Apathy towards Immunization


Posted on: Tue 16-08-2022

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State chapter, has blamed the recent fatal measles outbreak in some communities in Abua/Odual Local Council of the state on failure of parents to immunise their children.

State chairman, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, while speaking, yesterday, ahead of the Annual General Meeting billed to start today, said diseases, like measles, shouldn’t cause death because the state Primary Healthcare Management Board is committed to immunising people adequately.

He lamented that the challenge has been non-acceptance of immunisation by residents.

Alikor said the vaccine does not kill children and urged parents to take their babies for immunisation to avoid ugly developments. He also tasked churches and community leaders to encourage vaccination.

He said: “We call on families, parents, mothers, churches and communities to ensure that children are fully immunised. The message is that immunisation is available in Rivers State. It is important, free and does not kill.”

He further encouraged residents to take COVID-19 vaccination, saying the virus is still around.

He said the theme of the conference is “Strategic Leadership for Health Systems, Strengthening the Gaps and Proposals.”

He said the meeting would usher in a new dawn and strengthen the leadership in the health sector.

He added that some stakeholders, who have contributed in the development of medicine in the state, would be recognised at the conference.