…Vaccination takes effect January, as UNICEF assures support for Procurement

The Wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has called on community leaders and relevant stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on the newly introduced Measles-Rubella vaccine, aimed at protecting children across the state from the deadly diseases.

She made the call on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, while addressing participants at a sensitisation meeting held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.

According to Mrs. Aiyedatiwa, the meeting was convened to equip stakeholders with accurate information about the vaccine and to encourage widespread mobilisation at the grassroots for maximum participation in the upcoming immunisation campaign. She urged participants to take the message back to their communities and ensure no eligible child is left out.

“We gather today to discuss a matter that affects us all: protecting our children from measles and rubella. These vaccine-preventable diseases could have devastating consequences, including lifelong disabilities and even death,” she stated.

She described the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine as a “crucial step” toward safeguarding children within the target age group of 9 months to 14 years, stressing the need for community influencers—including religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups—to help dispel myths and misinformation surrounding vaccinations.

“Permit me to state that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, free, effective, and life-saving. Unfortunately, resistance persists due to myths, fear, and misconceptions. Your voices carry significant influence, and we need your leadership to combat the falsehoods hindering families from vaccinating their children.”

Mrs. Aiyedatiwa commended her husband, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continuous efforts toward improving healthcare delivery, especially through the rehabilitation of 102 primary health centres and the recruitment of medical personnel.

She also cited the success of the state’s Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction (HPVVI) campaign, which was launched in May 2024, as proof that community engagement and collaboration yield impressive results.

“As of now, 370,277 eligible girls have been vaccinated to prevent cervical cancer,” she announced, urging parents of unvaccinated girls aged nine to visit the nearest health facility for the life-saving shot.

She further acknowledged the support of development partners, including C-WINNS and the Forum of Nigerian Governors’ Spouses, as well as local health authorities and traditional institutions. She charged all stakeholders to ensure effective monitoring and supervision during the vaccination rollout.

“Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she concluded.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the State’s Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, explained that the vaccine, which would replace the usual measles immunisation, would be rolled out in January 2026. He added that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is intended for children between the ages of nine months and 14 years.

According to him, it is a costly vaccine, marking the first time the Federal Government is introducing it into the country, following growing concerns over the severe impact of the disease. Though often presenting with mild symptoms initially, Akanbiemu noted that it has long-term consequences that can be devastating due to its link to congenital birth defects.

He explained that many women who were not vaccinated at an early age may unknowingly carry the risk into adulthood, endangering the health and development of their unborn children. This, he said, underscores the importance of early immunisation for girls and women of reproductive age.

A representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mr. Tunde Ayoola, affirmed the readiness of UNICEF and other partner agencies in the state to ensure a smooth and impactful rollout of the vaccine in Ondo State. He assured that UNICEF and its partners would continue to provide support for the procurement of the vaccine and offer technical assistance.

“This meeting is a critical platform to deepen our collective understanding, align our strategies, and galvanise community engagement ahead of the Measles-Rubella vaccine rollout.

“The success of this introduction depends largely on stakeholders’ commitment, timely resource mobilisation, and robust advocacy to ensure parents and caregivers understand the importance of this vaccine and make it a priority for their children,” he said.