.As THRIVE initiative enhances healthcare delivery for vulnerable Bayelsans
ELIZABETH VINCENT, Yenagoa
Bayelsa state, on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, inaugurated the advocacy, communication and social mobilization (ACSM) technical working group (TWG) at the BHIS conference hall, marking a major milestone in strengthening community engagement and enhancing public awareness ahead of the introduction of the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Williams Appah, brought together health professionals, development partners, civil society organizations, government agencies and community structures to harmonize communication efforts for improved disease prevention and vaccination uptake.
The event opened with participant registration, seating arrangements, and a display of IEC materials coordinated by the SBC Secretariat, while formally inaugurating the group.
Dr. Appah emphasized that effective communication, coordinated advocacy, and strong community partnerships are vital to achieving high vaccination coverage and protecting vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. Malachi Ogeleni, consultant with the International Vaccine Access Center, he outlined essential facts about Rubella and the severe risks it poses during pregnancy.
Although Rubella is generally milder than measles, he explained it can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), a preventable condition associated with lifelong disabilities such as blindness, deafness heart defects and brain damage.
He noted that CRS remains a significant public health burden in areas with low vaccination coverage and called for intensified community education and advocacy.
Dr. Ogeleni also announced the upcoming nationwide rollout of the combined Measles Rubella vaccine, which will replace the current measles-only vaccine.
From 20–29 January 2026, children aged 9 months to 14 years will be eligible to receive the MR vaccine during the mass vaccination campaign.
After the campaign, the vaccine will be administered routinely at 9 months and 15 months.
He clarified that children who previously received the measles vaccine must still receive the MR vaccine to ensure full protection.
Speaking further, Dr. Makio Perekeme, Health/SBC consultant for MR in Bayelsa state, underscored the urgent need for robust awareness creation, grassroots mobilization, and strong partner coordination to ensure the campaign’s success.
” He noted that the ACSM TWG will serve as the central platform for harmonizing communication activities at national, state, and LGA levels, thereby reducing fragmented messaging and improving consistency.
The ACSM initiative aims to strengthen strategic behavior, change communication, enhance media engagement, improve digital communication efforts and build staff capacity for evidence-based advocacy.
Its governance structure includes multiple MDAs, development partners such as UNICEF and WHO, civil society organizations, traditional and religious institutions, and youth groups.
Organizations inaugurated into the TWG include community-based organizations (CBOs), the Bayelsa non-governmental forum (BANGOF), the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), and the Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) all recognized for their strong grassroots influence and commitment to women led community advocacy.
The newly established TWG is expected to strengthen coordinated messaging, deepen community trust, enhance social mobilization, and support Bayelsa State’s efforts to eliminate measles and rubella, ultimately improving health outcomes for children and families across the state.
.As THRIVE initiative enhances healthcare delivery for vulnerable Bayelsans
The chief of party (CoP) for the transforming of health and resilience for individuals through vibrant empowerment (THRIVE) project, Dr. Faith Lannap, has reaffirmed the project’s commitment to strengthening health systems and improving the wellbeing of vulnerable populations across Bayelsa State.
Speaking at the THRIVE stakeholders’ forum held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa, Dr. Lannap explained that the five year cooperative agreement running from 2024 to December 2029 is funded by the united states government through the U.S. department of state.
She stated that the THRIVE project is implemented by the centre for clinical care and clinical research Nigeria (CCCRN) in partnership with project HOPE and TA Connect, with joint efforts focused on strengthening linkages between communities and healthcare facilities, especially for children living with HIV.
The project implemented by CCCRN in partnership with Project HOPE and TA connect, aims to improve connections between communities and health facilities particularly for children living with HIV, Heartland Alliance also supports integrated maternal, newborn, and child health interventions within the project she said.
According to her, the initiative seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of children living with HIV and reduce HIV-related risks among uninfected children, adolescents, and young people, contributing to sustained epidemic control across 16 states in Nigeria.
Dr. Lannap emphasized that THRIVE is tailored to build resilience, strengthen service delivery, and ensure that vulnerable groups—especially children, adolescents, and pregnant women—receive comprehensive, quality healthcare.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Siyefa Brisibe, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare services at all levels.
He noted that under the current administration, the health of every Bayelsan remains a priority.
If you are in Bayelsa state, your health is important visit our health insurance scheme, building resilience is critical, and this is where the prosperity government will continue to thrive, he said.
Dr. Brisibe commended CCCRN for its strategic efforts under the THRIVE project, stressing that collaborations of this nature significantly enhances health-systems development, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
In his remarks, the executive secretary of the Bayelsa state primary health care board, Dr. Williams Appah, described THRIVE as a transformative initiative that will expand healthcare access for people living with HIV while strengthening financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable service delivery.
“The objectives and goals of this project differ from what we have previously implemented, It will deepen interventions within and around Bayelsa state, and that is why we value collaborations,HIV is not a stand-alone disease; it requires synergy,” he noted.
The THRIVE project coordinator, Mr. Moses Ole, added that the initiative not only seeks to improve the wellbeing of children living with HIV but also aims to reduce HIV related risks among uninfected children.
“He stated that the project places special emphasis on adolescents and young people to help achieve sustained epidemic control,pregnant women he added, will benefit from improved access to essential maternal health services.
The meeting concluded with a strong collective commitment from stakeholders including BANGOF, WOMAN, NAPTIP, AAON, SACA, and various MDAs to drive impactful change and build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities across Bayelsa State through the THRIVE Project.
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