By Ebi Tiemo
Yenagoa — Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, has commended the state government and the health sector for their proactive efforts in combating measles and other preventable diseases, noting that the interventions have significantly improved the life expectancy of children in the state.
Dr. Diri gave the commendation during the official flag-off of the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign organised by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Board and development partners. The campaign was held in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Orujakpo, in recognition of his passion for child health and disease prevention.
The First Lady highlighted the dangers of measles and rubella, explaining that the diseases can lead to blindness, convulsions, miscarriages, stillbirths and birth defects. She stressed that timely vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent these complications and safeguard the wellbeing of children and families.
According to her, the campaign is designed to achieve comprehensive coverage across the state, with vaccination posts located in easily accessible places such as churches, mosques and schools. She also called on religious and community leaders to help disseminate information about the exercise and encourage parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Seyefa Brisibe, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening public health through sustained vaccination and community engagement. He acknowledged earlier funding challenges but expressed gratitude to the Prosperity Administration for prioritising healthcare investments.
Dr. Brisibe disclosed that Bayelsa State emerged as first runner-up in a national healthcare leadership challenge, earning a $400,000 grant, which has already been deployed towards the renovation of primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Appah Weri, described the campaign as a landmark initiative that represents a significant expansion of previous vaccination efforts. He urged parents and caregivers to seize the opportunity to protect their children, noting that doing so would also honour the legacy of the late Deputy Governor.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Brubaraye Dakolo, commended the government and the health ministry for their commitment to reducing childhood mortality, urging traditional leaders to mobilise their communities for full participation. The Mayor of Yenagoa, Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, also stressed the importance of reaching every household during the exercise.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the First Lady. Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri also administered the first vaccine to children at the venue and distributed gifts to mothers in attendance, formally ushering in the statewide vaccination campaign.
