The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter, is set to collaborate with the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency to inform and educate the public about the forthcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in the state.

This commitment was made during an advocacy visit by the Agency’s team to the association at its October Congress in Akure.

Speaking during the visit, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Ondo State, Dr. Modupe Olasore, said the initiative aims to increase vaccine coverage to 95 percent by mobilising communities, engaging stakeholders, and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Olasore noted that vaccination is not just a health intervention but an investment in the next generation.

She urged journalists, particularly NAWOJ members, to intensify advocacy and sensitisation efforts to ensure community acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Rubella vaccines in the state.

Commending NAWOJ members for their support during the recent HPV vaccination exercise—which contributed to its success across the state—Olasore appealed for continued collaboration as preparations begin for the next phase of the vaccination campaign scheduled to commence in January 2026 across all southern states.

According to her, the HPV vaccine, which has already been introduced in the northern part of the country and in Oyo State, targets both boys and girls between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. She reassured parents that the new Rubella vaccine is safe, injectable, and free, as it has been incorporated into the existing routine immunisation schedule.

Olasore explained that Rubella, though not common, poses serious risks to pregnant women who come in contact with infected children, warning that the disease could result in stillbirth or congenital rubella syndrome, which causes severe defects in unborn babies.

“When we protect boys and girls within the 9 months to 14 years age group, we are safeguarding the larger society, particularly women of childbearing age,” she stated.

She also called on the media to sustain their partnership with the health agency to ensure greater public awareness and improved vaccination coverage across Ondo State.

While receiving the advocacy team, Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter, Comrade Tola Gbadamosi, described the media as a powerful tool for effective communication and advocacy in public health campaigns.

Gbadamosi thanked the team for partnering with NAWOJ, noting that the visit was timely and a welcome development. She assured that the association would be fully involved in the forthcoming immunisation programme, urging members to actively participate in community sensitisation and mobilisation to ensure the success of the exercise.

Those present at the advocacy visit included the Vice Chairperson, NAWOJ B-Zone, Comrade Adeola Adekunle Omoshola; UNICEF Consultant, Mrs. Orhorhamreru Moronke; International Vaccine Access Centre Consultant, Mrs. Titilope Akinlalu; State Health Educator, Mr. Kehinde Olomiye; Deputy State Health Educator, Mrs. Olubunmi Obaromi; Secretary of the Measles-Rubella Technical Working Group, Mr. Ekudehinwa; as well as NAWOJ members across the state.