The wife of Ondo State governor , Mrs Oluwaseun Ayedatiwa wants mothers to actively participate in the forthcoming measles rubella vaccination in the state.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa made the appeal while Speaking at a sensitization meeting with stakeholders on the vaccine in Akure, the state capital.
Measles Rubella is a disease that spreads easily and can cause serious health problems with symptoms such as high fever, cough, red eyes, and rashes, especially in children.
This explains why Ondo state is taking the bull by the horn in sensitizing mothers on the need to present their children for vaccination against the disease when the exercise kicks off in January 2026.
Addressing women at a sensitization meeting on the vaccine in Akure, wife of the governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, charged stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups and community influencers to help create more awareness at the grassroots on the advantages of Measles-Rubella vaccine.
While commending his husband, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment towards improving the health of mothers and children in the state, Mrs Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that the the vaccination against measles rubella would be a success like that of Human Papilloma Virus during which 370,277 girls were immunised.
“As we embark on this novel initiative, we cannot but acknowledge our State’s recent success with the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction (HPVVI) programme, which was flagged off by His Excellency, the Governor on 27th May, 2024. I can aver that the HPVVI programme was a huge success, reaching virtually every community in our State and protecting our children against cervical cancer. I am glad to inform you that a total of 370,277 eligible girls had been vaccinated so far.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, OSPHCDA for its proactiveness in immunisation and healthcare services at the grassroots.
“I commend the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, health professionals and partners, traditional institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders for their dedication with a view to achieving better health outcomes in the State. I urge you all to support this vaccination campaign and help us create awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children.”….the Governor’s wife said.
Earlier, the commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka described the vaccination campaign as important considering the debilitating effects of Measles Rubella and the need to further reduce child morbidity.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo state Primary health care Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu explained that the immunisatiin, billed for January next year, was aimed at protecting children from 9 months to 14 years.
Dr. Akanbiemu added that the vaccine, though expensive, was being provided free of charge to help prevent avoidable health complications in children.
In a brief enlightenment talk on Measles Rubella, the state immunization officer, Mrs Florence Fadiji said the best prevention against the disease was the vaccine.
In a goodwill message, representative of UNICEF in Ondo state, Mr Tunde Ayoade pointed out that the smooth relationship between the state government and the development partners would no doubt contribute hugely to the success of the exercise.
“This meeting is a crucial platform for aligning strategies and strengthening community engagement,” he said. “The success of this rollout depends on our collective efforts, timely resource mobilisation, and consistent advocacy to educate parents on the importance of vaccinating their children,” Ayoola said.
The Vaccination against Measles-Rubella is expected to begin in January, 2026.
The meeting was attended by health workers, women groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, students, non-governmental organisations, development partners among other stakeholders.
