The Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board has taken a proactive step to ensure a successful immunization campaign by hitting the streets of Yenagoa with a major awareness drive. Over the weekend, health officials and partners embarked on a vibrant road show to educate residents about the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, a critical public health intervention scheduled for January 20 to 29, 2026.
Road Show Route and Key Messages
The sensitization parade kicked off at Igbogene, moved through the bustling Kpansia Market, and wrapped up at Oxbow Lake in the Swali area. This strategic route ensured the message reached a wide cross-section of the community. During the event, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Williams Appah, addressed the public, highlighting the severe threat posed by measles and rubella, especially to young children.
He firmly stated that these diseases are preventable and that the key is timely vaccination. Dr. Appah specified that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is intended for children aged 9 to 15 months and called on all parents and caregivers to present their eligible children during the campaign window to secure their health.
Expanding Protection: HPV Vaccine for Adolescent Girls
In a significant addition to the awareness effort, Dr. Appah also used the platform to inform the community about the availability of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 14 years. He explained the vaccine's crucial role as a preventive shield against cervical cancer in later life and encouraged parents to ensure their eligible daughters receive this life-saving intervention.
The road show received strong endorsement from community advocates. Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of the Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), praised the Health Board's initiative for taking the message directly to the people. She emphasized the indispensable role of mothers and caregivers in safeguarding children's health through routine immunization, framing it as a core responsibility.
Dispelling Myths and Ensuring Community Trust
Lady Nnachi pointed out that community-based engagements like the road show are vital for countering vaccine misinformation and building public trust. She assured residents of the safety and efficacy of both the Measles-Rubella and HPV vaccines, describing them as essential tools for building a healthier future for Bayelsa's children.
The event saw active participation from civil society organizations, including members of the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF). They worked alongside health officials to mobilize the crowd, distribute informational materials, and amplify the message about the benefits of routine immunization.
The final appeal to residents was clear: cooperate fully with health workers during the campaign period. The vaccination exercise is safe, completely free, and a vital investment in improving child survival rates and the overall public health landscape of Bayelsa State.
