The Oyo State Government, through the Primary Health Care Board has expressed its readiness to commence the first phase of the Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign across the thirty three local government areas of the state.
The measles rubella vaccination ,designed for children within nine months to 14 years will run from October 4 to 14 , 2025 .
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji while speaking at a press briefing on Monday at the Board’s Conference Room, Agodi , Secretariat, Ibadan, said the intervention is part of the efforts of the government to prevent the presence of the disease and its outbreak in the state .
Olatunji explained that the disease has become a public health issue in Nigeria, hence , the need for the nursing mothers to present their wards for vaccination.
He decried the myths and misconception associated with immunization in the community by some individuals, saying that the routine vaccination had assisted in reducing the death of infants drastically compared to figures recorded in the last forty to fifty years.
Dr . Olatunji hinted that the measles rubella vaccination campaign will be a continuous exercise while mop up for the upcoming campaign will take place on the 15 and 16 October, 2025 .
” Measles rubella seems to be a public health issue that requires public attention globally .Oyo State is the only state in the south west to benefit in the intervention, the roll- out vaccination campaign is to create awareness and educate the target group to present their wards for vaccination .
” It is going to be routinized, over three million eligible individuals are to benefit, targeted individuals can visit the primary health care facilities to get vaccinated after the conclusion of the first phase “
He appreciated the implementing partners for their support and collaboration on the project.
In a paper delivered at the event, Immunization Officer, Oyo State , Adedamola Adeniran, said Measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children, while rubella, though mild in adults, can cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
He noted that the integrated measles Rubella Campaign became necessary as recent reports showed that every state in the country recorded cases of measles with Anambra, Borno and Oyo States topping the chart for confirmed cases .
