The Adamawa State Government has reached out to the citizens on the need to accept the measles-rubella vaccination scheduled to begin this Saturday, October 18 and and to last for the 10 days leading up to October 28.
The vaccination is an integrated one covering measles, rubella, polio and HPV.

The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, ADSPHCDA, which is anchoring the vaccination exercise, said Wednesday that it is hopeful the people would ignore misleading rumours against the vaccines to be used and present their children to be vaccinated.

During a Media Dialogue on Wednesday with journalists, social media influencers and other stakeholders and partners in a sensitization initiative towards the start of the statewide integrated vaccination, the Executive Chairman of ADSPHCDA, Dr Suleiman Bashir, said the campaign covers children nine months to 14 years (for Measles-Rubella), Polio (0–59 months), and HPV (girls aged nine years).

“The consequences of measles can be irreversible, it may lead to blindness, brain damage, or even death,” Dr Bashir said, adding that the planned 10-day integrated vaccination campaign will address both measles and rubella at once, ensuring broader protection for children.

Explaining the concept further, Bashir said, “The HPV vaccine in the campaign aligns with ongoing efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention, especially among young girls. Once a girl receives the HPV vaccine at around nine years old, she grows into adulthood with strong protection against cervical cancer.”

He urged media practitioners to use their platforms to create accurate awareness and dispel misinformation.

The media dialogue was organised in Yola by the ADSPHCDA in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

The UNICEF Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, Mr George Eki, said, “Vaccination benefits everyone. The media must continue to drive positive behavioral change through factual reporting and community engagement.”

Measles, rubella deadly – Adamawa govt tells citizens ahead October 18 vaccination campaign