FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Government has keyed into the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to combat Measles and Rubella through a state-wide vaccination campaign. The initiative was officially flagged off on Saturday, 19th April 2025, by the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Benue State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the RHI State Coordinator and Special Adviser on Women Affairs.
Speaking at the event, the RHI State Coordinator, Hon. Scholastica T. Ben-Sor, described the programme as a strategic effort by the Federal Government to eradicate Measles across the country. While acknowledging lingering stereotypes surrounding vaccines, she assured the public of the vaccine’s safety and efficacy for children. She emphasized that the campaign is not limited to urban areas but extends to grassroots communities. Federal Ministry of Health inspectors are currently in the state to oversee and monitor the implementation of the programme.
The vaccination campaign, scheduled to begin in October 2025, will target children aged 9 months to 15 years.
Also speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Ashi Wende, noted that Governor Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia is actively revitalizing primary health care centers across the state to facilitate effective vaccine distribution, especially at the grassroots level. She commended the Federal Government for the initiative and reaffirmed that the vaccines will be provided free of charge to all eligible children in Benue State.
The advocacy campaign witnessed active participation from stakeholders in the health sector, women’s groups within religious institutions, and female representatives in the media.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
