Ondo PHC Agency, Military Collaborate On 2026 Measles, Rubella Vaccination Campaign

In a bid to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign across the State, the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency has embarked on advocacy visits to key stakeholders, including the 32 Artillery Brigade Command in Akure.

Speaking during the visit, the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, said the visit was aimed at soliciting the Command’s support for the upcoming vaccination exercise.

Dr. Akanbiemu, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, explained that the vaccines would protect children from measles and rubella — both highly contagious and potentially deadly viral diseases.

According to him, the government, through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, will introduce the measles and rubella vaccines for all children aged 9 months to 14 years.

He noted that the 32 Artillery Brigade, military clinics, and other formations — including the Navy School in Imeri — play vital roles in the success of the campaign, hence the importance of the military’s involvement in spreading awareness about the vaccination.

Dr. Akanbiemu added that the vaccines would be available at all facilities offering routine immunisation and at outreach posts across the state. He appealed to the Command to help dispel negative rumours and misconceptions about the vaccines, stressing that they have been thoroughly tested and certified as safe and effective.

He also sought the assistance of the military in providing security in vulnerable or hard-to-reach areas during the vaccination exercise.

In his response, the Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General J.A. Ifeanyi, appreciated the Agency for the visit, reaffirming that the Command prioritises the health and wellbeing of its personnel and host communities.

Represented by Captain (Dr.) Olayemi Ilori, the Commander said the Brigade had already begun sensitising officers and troops about the vaccination at various internal meetings.

While thanking the government and development partners for providing free vaccines for routine immunisation, he assured the Agency of the Brigade’s readiness to deploy personnel to accompany health workers to security-compromised areas during the exercise.

Addressing the issue of misinformation, Brig. Gen. Ifeanyi emphasised that the Command would not allow false narratives to hinder public health initiatives, adding that the importance of vaccination in disease prevention “cannot be over-emphasised.”