As Ondo State prepares for the rollout of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in January 2026, the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has called on mothers to actively participate in the life-saving exercise aimed at protecting children from the deadly disease.
Mrs. Aiyedatiwa made the appeal during a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting held in Akure, where she charged traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, and community influencers to help raise awareness at the grassroots level.
Describing measles-rubella as a highly contagious disease that poses serious health risks—especially to children—she emphasized the importance of timely vaccination in reducing child morbidity and preventing avoidable deaths.
“Let us remember that our children depend on us for protection. This vaccine is safe, effective, and free. We must spread the word to every corner of our communities,” she urged.
The governor’s wife hailed the proactive steps taken by the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA), commending their leadership in grassroots immunization and healthcare delivery.
She also praised her husband, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for prioritizing maternal and child health in the state, recalling the state’s successful rollout of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) which saw over 370,000 girls vaccinated against cervical cancer.
“As we embark on this novel initiative, we cannot forget our State’s recent success with the HPV Vaccination programme. It reached virtually every community and gave hope to thousands of families. I believe the Measles-Rubella campaign will build on that momentum,” she added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, emphasized the significance of the campaign in curbing the debilitating effects of the disease and reducing childhood mortality rates across the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, disclosed that the free vaccination would cover children aged 9 months to 14 years, noting that although the vaccine is costly, the state—through support from partners—has made it accessible to all eligible children.
In an educational talk, the state immunization officer, Mrs. Florence Fadiji, reaffirmed that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles-rubella, urging parents to ensure their wards are not left out.
A representative of UNICEF, Mr. Tunde Ayoade, applauded the state government’s commitment and collaboration with development partners, which he said would be instrumental in the success of the campaign.
“This meeting is a crucial platform for aligning strategies and strengthening community engagement. The success of this rollout depends on our collective efforts, timely resource mobilisation, and consistent advocacy,” he noted.
The event brought together a wide array of stakeholders including healthcare workers, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, students, and religious figures—united in their resolve to ensure the health and future of children in Ondo State.
