Rivers State First Lady, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the launch of a major health campaign targeting vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Measles, and Rubella under the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, where the campaign was officially flagged off, Lady Fubara—who represented Senator Tinubu—said the programme aims to protect millions of children and women across Rivers State from preventable diseases.
She noted that the initiative seeks to surpass previous vaccination records across the country, emphasizing that all vaccines are safe, effective, and free. She urged parents and caregivers to ensure full participation in the exercise to safeguard the future of their children.
Rivers State is among the Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest immunization drive, expected to reach children aged nine months to fourteen years by February 2026.
“This initiative strengthens public health and safeguards the future of our children, especially girls, through HPV vaccination,” Lady Fubara said on behalf of the First Lady.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, all collaborating to expand vaccination coverage.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and representatives of development partners commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its leadership in advancing public health awareness and vaccination access nationwide.
The campaign targets over 106 million Rivers children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV, marking a bold step toward a healthier and disease-free future for all.
