The Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has launched a Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive aimed at safeguarding the health of children in the state, ahead of its rollout in January 2026.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
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.”
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The new vaccine, which combines protection against measles and rubella, will replace the current measles vaccine in the national immunisation schedule. Health experts say the upgrade is critical to prevent complications such as congenital rubella syndrome, particularly in pregnant women.
She emphasised that the vaccine is safe, free, and effective, targeting children between the ages of nine months and fifteen years, appealing to the stakeholders to work with community gatekeepers and organisations to ensure every eligible child is reached.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for strengthening the state’s health system, citing the rehabilitation of 102 primary healthcare centres and the success of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction (HPVVI) vaccination campaign, which has reached over 370,000 girls.
She encouraged caregivers to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine to protect them from cervical cancer, adding that early immunisation is key to long-term wellness
The meeting brought together key players in the health and development sectors to prepare for the statewide rollout of the life-saving vaccine.
Dr Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, revealed that the vaccine is being introduced by the Federal Government for the first time and will be administered free of charge, despite its high cost.
He warned that many adult women who missed early immunisation remain at risk of transmitting rubella to their unborn babies, which could result in irreversible birth defects.
Mr. Tunde Ayoola, representing UNICEF 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 vital platform to align strategies and strengthen community engagement,” Ayoola added.
The success of the rollout depends on collective efforts, timely resource mobilization, and consistent advocacy to educate parents on the importance of childhood immunization.