CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, has informed the National Primary Health Development Agency (NPHDA) that Governor Bassey Edet Otu, is very passionate about the healthcare and well-being of Cross Riverians and will do anything humanly possible to achieve that.
Dr Ekpang made this known when a delegation from the NPHDA led by its Zonal Consult, Dr. Rock Odeka paid him an advocacy visit to intimate him of awareness campaign on Measles Rubella Vaccine in Calabar.
On Friday, he assured that the State will do all within its ambit in ensuring that every resident become aware of the yet to be introduced, Measles Rubella Vaccine in the country.
Expressing concern over pregnant women, young children and the spread of the disease. Ekpang said the introduction of the Measles Rubella Vaccine is a significant step towards preventing the spread.
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“My Boss, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on whose magnanimity I was appointed as Commissioner for Information is very passionate about the healthcare and well-being of Cross Riverians and will do anything humanly possible to achieve that,” said Dr Ekpang.
Also , he announced that partners like World Bank recently supported the State with 196 laptops to aide health officers in digitalizing health records.
“Although, the administration of this vaccine is slated in October 2025 by the Federal Government,” Dr Ekpang himself saying. We are starting our awareness creation immediately to ensure that every resident takes ownership seat with the view to accepting this new vaccine which is meant to improve on their healthcare.
In addition, “As a privileged servant of the good people of Cross River, we want to bequeath a State with healthy and prosperous people living in harmony with human and nature,” Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong assured.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Consultant, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Rock Odeka, the State Coordinator, NPHDA, Dr. Idorenyin Nta and State Health Educator, Mrs Nsa Ekpenyong said the early awareness campaign is to prevent the kind rejection the HPV had in some quarters.
According to them, it’s a two-in-one vaccine that will prevent both Measles and Rubella diseases.
“The Measles Rubella Vaccine is highly efficacious, with a success rate of 95%-100% in clinical trials,” they said. It’s usually administered to one year three months and nine months old children respectively.
Truth Live News also gathered that the vaccine could be administered to the older children as adolescents and adults, especially those in high-risk groups like healthcare workers and women of childbearing age.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects.