Ekiti State Government has announced the rollout of a statewide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting children and closing immunity gaps in the state. The initiative, part of the state’s routine immunisation programme, is set to begin with a 10-day intensive campaign this month, followed by full integration of the MR vaccine into routine immunisation schedules.

The State Immunisation Officer, Mrs. Omolabake Ogundola, described measles and rubella as deadly and highly contagious diseases, stressing that the MR vaccine will safeguard children against both infections. She spoke during a media orientation and sensitisation meeting in Ado Ekiti, organised by the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Ogundola explained that the campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years and will precede the formal inclusion of the MR vaccine into routine immunisation. “After this campaign, the vaccine will be given as part of routine immunisation at nine months and 15 months as the first and second doses, respectively, replacing the previous standalone measles vaccine,” she said.

Highlighting the scope of the programme, Ogundola said the campaign targets approximately 17 per cent of Ekiti State’s total population, with a coverage goal of 90 to 95 per cent considered a success. Both administrative data and post-campaign surveys will be used to assess effectiveness.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, all health facilities providing routine immunisation across the state will remain open during the campaign. In addition, mobile vaccination teams will be deployed to communities, temporary vaccination posts will be established, and outreach will be conducted in rural areas, farm camps, factory settlements, and areas with security concerns, with support from security agencies as necessary.

Dr. Segun Adeoye, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, described immunisation as one of the most effective public health interventions globally, highlighting its critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality among children and mothers. He emphasised the essential role of the media in public health campaigns, stating that accurate reporting strengthens community confidence and combats misinformation.

Dr. Ebube Eronini, State Technical Assistant with the World Health Organisation (WHO), called the campaign a “critical intervention aimed at closing immunity gaps against highly contagious measles and rubella infections.” She added that measles can cause severe complications such as malnutrition, blindness, encephalitis, and death in children under five. At the same time, rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women, potentially resulting in congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause hearing loss, heart defects, and visual impairment in infants.

Mrs. Folakemi Aladenika, State Technical Assistant for the International Vaccine Access Centre, urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign window, noting that children outside the eligible age group would miss the opportunity once the vaccine is fully integrated into routine immunisation.

Dr. Olajumoke Oguntoye, State Health Educator, added that key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, school authorities, parent-teacher associations, and educationists, have been engaged and have endorsed the campaign, reinforcing community support and participation.

With the MR vaccination campaign, Ekiti State aims to strengthen its child health interventions, prevent outbreaks, and ensure that no eligible child is left unprotected against measles and rubella, safeguarding the health and future of its youngest residents.