The Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its proactive healthcare interventions, particularly in combating measles and other preventable diseases that have improved child life expectancy in the state.
She gave the commendation during the official flag-off of the Measles/Rubella Vaccination Campaign, organized by the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Board, the Ministry of Health, and development partners. The campaign was also held in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Orujakpo.
Dr. Gloria Diri highlighted the dangers of measles and rubella, noting that the diseases can cause blindness, convulsions, miscarriages, stillbirths, and birth defects. She stressed that vaccination remains the safest and most effective means of preventing these health complications.
She explained that vaccination posts have been established in accessible locations such as churches, mosques, and schools across the state to ensure full coverage. The First Lady called on religious and community leaders to help mobilize parents and caregivers to participate fully in the exercise.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seyefa Brisibe, reaffirmed the Prosperity Administration’s commitment to strengthening public health through sustained investment in vaccination and community engagement. He disclosed that Bayelsa State recently emerged as first runner-up in a national healthcare leadership challenge, earning a $400,000 grant, which has already been used to renovate primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Appah Weri, described the vaccination campaign as a landmark initiative, noting that it significantly expands coverage compared to previous exercises. He urged parents to vaccinate their children in honour of the late Deputy Governor, a strong advocate for healthcare development.
In goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, King Brubaraye Dakolo, praised the government’s efforts to reduce childhood mortality and called on traditional rulers to ensure community participation. The Mayor of Yenagoa, Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, also emphasized the importance of reaching every household during the campaign.
The event climaxed with the official flag-off by Dr. Gloria Diri, who administered the first vaccine doses to children and presented gifts to mothers present.
