Ondo State Commences Preparations for Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
The Ondo State Government has officially commenced preparations for the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, scheduled to hold from the 20th to 29th of January, 2026.
Following the campaign, the vaccine will be incorporated into the state’s routine immunization programme, targeting children aged nine months to fourteen years.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, inaugurated a Technical Working Group to oversee the exercise.
The Governor commended stakeholders for their commitment to child health and urged the group to intensify efforts in mobilizing communities for high participation.
The Governor described measles and rubella as deadly diseases, emphasizing that coordinated planning, evidence-based strategies, and strong community engagement are critical to preventing outbreaks.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, also called on members of the Technical Working Group to scale up education and advocacy in schools, markets, churches, and other public spaces.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Dr. Modupe Okuwasore of the World Health Organization stressed the importance of strong community participation for the success of the campaign.
The State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Florence Fadiji, highlighted the vital role of the vaccine in protecting children against measles and rubella.
The Technical Working Group includes representatives from religious and traditional institutions, market associations, security agencies, schools, community leaders, media organizations, and development partners such as WHO, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Nigerian Red Cross.
