Ogun first lady launches measles-rubella vaccination campaign, targets 2.9m children

Speaking at the official launch of the initiative, the Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said global and local data showed that measles and rubella remain among the leading causes of preventable childhood illness and death, particularly in regions with low immunisation coverage.

She noted that the week-long integrated campaign would run until February 5, 2026.

Mrs. Abiodun stressed that although global measles-related deaths have declined by 88 per cent since 2000, the disease still claimed an estimated 95,000 lives globally last year, most of them children under the age of five.

The first lady disclosed that the campaign was projected to reach approximately three million children statewide, warning parents and caregivers not to allow fear, rumours or misinformation to undermine the immunisation exercise.

She described the campaign as a decisive response to disturbing child health statistics, stressing that measles and rubella are not minor childhood illnesses but serious diseases capable of causing pneumonia, brain damage, blindness, deafness and, in the case of rubella, miscarriage, stillbirth and congenital rubella syndrome.

“Sadly, about 80 per cent of these deaths occurred in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. These are preventable conditions, yet they continue to threaten the lives and wellbeing of our children where vaccination coverage is inadequate.

“This gathering is a declaration of our collective resolve to say ‘No more’ to diseases that steal the future of our sons and daughters. The MR vaccine remains one of the safest, most effective and affordable public health interventions available,” she said.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said the campaign was part of a national strategy approved by the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to introduce the measles-rubella vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule following the persistent disease burden.

Dr. Coker said Ogun State had set a target of vaccinating over 2.9 million eligible children during the campaign, scheduled to run from January 27 to February 5, 2026.

She added that the objectives of the campaign include reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, preventing congenital rubella syndrome in newborns, strengthening disease surveillance and improving routine immunisation systems across the state.

“Measles-rubella remains one of the leading causes of childhood mortality globally and poses serious risks to pregnant women, often resulting in lifelong complications for the unborn child.

“This vaccination campaign aligns perfectly with our vision of ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Laura Niclochlainn commended the Ogun State Government for its extensive preparation for the programme, describing the state’s measles-rubella campaign as one of the most prominent globally.

She added that over 100 million children have been vaccinated in Nigeria, urging the state to sustain high coverage.

“At the global level, we develop strategies, policies and surveillance systems to track progress towards eliminating measles and rubella. It is exciting to see Nigeria deploying this vaccine. Let us keep the coverage high,” she said.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, expressed appreciation to development partners and stakeholders for their support, while urging parents and guardians across the state to ensure their children are presented for vaccination.