Measles-Rubella Vaccination: Ondo First Lady Charges Stakeholders On Grassroots Awareness
The Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has charged traditional leaders, religious figures, and community stakeholders to intensify grassroots awareness on the forthcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, set to begin in January 2026.
She made the appeal during a sensitisation meeting held on Tuesday,at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa said “This campaign is not just about vaccination; it’s about protecting our children and securing their future. Measles and rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases, yet they continue to claim lives and cause lasting disabilities. As influencers in your communities, I implore you to help dispel myths and misinformation surrounding vaccines.”
She emphasised that the vaccine was safe, free, and effective, targeting children between the ages of nine months and 15 years, calling on stakeholders to work with community gatekeepers and organisations to ensure every eligible child is reached.
The First lady commended the governor for prioritising maternal and child health through ongoing reforms, calling on parents and caregivers whose daughters aged nine are yet to receive the HPV vaccine to visit the nearest health facility, stressing the importance of early immunisation for long-term health benefits.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, revealed that the Measles-Rubella vaccine will replace the routine measles vaccine, noting that the new vaccine addresses serious concerns.
Akanbiemu added that the vaccine, though expensive, is being provided free of charge to help prevent avoidable health complications in children and mothers, warning that many women who were not vaccinated as children may unknowingly carry risks into adulthood, endangering future pregnancies.
Representing UNICEF, Mr. Tunde Ayoola affirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the campaign. He said UNICEF, in collaboration with other development partners, will provide technical support and help in procuring the vaccines.
“This meeting is a crucial platform for aligning strategies and strengthening community engagement. The success of this rollout depends on our collective efforts, timely resource mobilisation, and consistent advocacy to educate parents on the importance of vaccinating their children”, said Ayoola.
