The Nigerian Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), Ondo state chapter, is set to collaborate with the Ondo state Primary Healthcare Development Agency in the area of informating and educating the public on the forthcoming Measles Rubella vaccine in the state.
This submission was made during an advocacy visit of the Ondo state primary health development agency team to the association at it’s October Congress in Akure.
Speaking, the World Health Organisation, WHO Representative in Ondo state, Dr. Modupe Olasore, said the visit was aimed at increasing vaccine coverage to 95 per cent by mobilising communities, engaging stakeholders, and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
Dr Olasore who said the vaccine is not just a health intervention; added that it is an investment in the generation yet onbor
She called on journalists, particularly NAWOJ members, to intensify advocacy and sensitisation efforts toward ensuring community acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Rubella vaccines in the state.
Dr. Olasore who commended NAWOJ members for their support during the recent HPV vaccination exercise, which contributed to its success across the state, appealed for continued collaboration, especially 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 Oyo State, targets both boys and girls between the ages of 9 months and 14 years, reassuring parents that the new rubella vaccine is safe, injectable, and free, as it has been incorporated into the existing routine immunization schedule.
Dr. 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.
Dr. Olasore urged 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.
Comrade Gbadamosi thanked the team for partnering 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 the sensitisation and mobilisation of communities 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, Mrs. Titilope Akinlalu, who is the International Vaccine Access Centre consultant; The State Health Educator, Mr. Kehinde Olomiye; Deputy State Health Educator, Mrs. Olubunmi Obaromi; and the Secretary of the Measles Rubella Technical Working Group, Mr. Ekudehinwa as well as NAWOJ members in the state.
