The Ekiti State Government has flagged off the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, targeting at least 95 per cent immunisation coverage among children aged nine months to 14 years across the state.
The campaign, which commenced on Jan. 27 and will end on Feb. 5, is being implemented by the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) with the active support of the State Ministry of Heath , donor agencies and other stakeholders .
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Oke Iyinmi, Ado-Ekiti, the Chairman of SPHCDA, Dr Olufunke Ogunbunmi, said the campaign was aimed at preventing outbreaks of measles and rubella and safeguarding vulnerable children.
Ogunbunmi said the vaccines would be administered free of charge at all public health facilities, temporary fixed posts and schools across communities in the state to ensure universal access.
According to her, the campaign is expected to boost population immunity and support the state’s efforts to improve child health outcomes.
“This campaign is an investment in the future of our children and the state. Healthy children are more likely to remain in school and grow into productive citizens,” she said.
She urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads and parents to support the campaign by mobilising families and countering misinformation about vaccines.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, said the campaign underscored the state government’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of children.
Filani said measles and rubella were preventable diseases and called on parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children were vaccinated.
“The vaccines are safe, effective and provided at no cost. With the support of our partners, we are determined to achieve full coverage and secure a healthier future for Ekiti State,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of SPHCDA, Dr Rasheed Adepoju, said measles and rubella posed serious public health threats but could be completely prevented through vaccination.
Adepoju said the campaign aligned with national and global efforts to eliminate measles, control rubella, reduce child morbidity and mortality, and strengthen routine immunisation services.
He recalled that advocacy and sensitisation activities began in April 2025 with a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji.
Adepoju commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and the First Lady for their support for immunisation programmes, as well as health workers, development partners and community leaders.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and health stakeholders.
Among those present were the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Olasunkanni Alabi; a representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr S.O. Bodunde; the Ekiti State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr Akeem Busari; UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Officer, Mr Ridwan Olasunkanni; AFENET State Coordinator, Dr Olawumi Adeoye; and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) State Coordinator, Mr Busayo Afuye.
Other partners included representatives of IVAC, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Girls Effect and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), all of whom pledged continued support for the success of the campaign.
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