Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has called on community leaders and stakeholders to strengthen efforts in supporting the measles and rubella vaccination campaign to safeguard children across the state.
Speaking at a sensitisation meeting with stakeholders at The Dome, Akure, the capital of the state on Tuesday, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa stressed that “everyone has a sacred duty to protect children” as the vaccination targets kids aged nine months to 15 years.
She urged the wives of local government chairmen in all 18 councils to spearhead grassroots awareness, saying, “Regrettably, too many lives have been lost to these diseases, and we must not let ignorance, myths, and misinformation prevent a healthier future for our children.”
Addressing persistent vaccine hesitancy, the First Lady assured that strategies were in place to overcome misinformation, referencing the success of the HPV vaccination campaign that has reached over 370,000 girls in Ondo State.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, explained that the new measles-rubella vaccine will replace the current routine measles vaccine to better prevent birth defects and severe complications.
“Though expensive, the vaccine is being provided free of charge to save our children and mothers from avoidable health complications,” he said.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, noted that the stakeholder meeting would help dispel myths about vaccination and build community trust.
UNICEF Representative, Mr. Tunde Ayoola, reiterated UNICEF’s support, saying, “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 to educate parents on the importance of vaccinating their children.”
