Aiyedatiwa’s wife rallies support for Measles, Rubella vaccination campaign

The wife of the Ondo Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has solicited the support of community leaders and stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the forthcoming Measles-Rubella Vaccination (MRV) campaign across the state.

Speaking during a sensitisation meeting at The Dome, Akure, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa underscored the urgency of protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and rubella, which she described as potentially devastating.

She said; “As mothers, leaders, and citizens, we have a sacred duty to safeguard our children’s health. Measles and rubella can lead to lifelong disabilities or death. We must not allow myths and misinformation to rob us of a healthier future.”

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According to her, the campaign aims to expand vaccine access for children aged nine months to 15 years, saying this is part of a broader national effort to eliminate preventable childhood deaths

Mrs. Aiyedatiwa, emphasised that everyone has a sacred duty to protect the lives of children, noting vaccine hesitancy and misinformation as the main challenges confronting the implementation of the vaccine but assured that the state was implementing strategies to overcome the barriers.

The First Lady charged the wives of local government chairmen across the state’s 18 councils to lead grassroots awareness efforts, stressing the urgency of the initiative, which will kick off in January 2026.

She said: “We gather today to discuss a matter that affects us all—protecting our children from measles and rubella. These vaccine-preventable diseases could have devastating consequences, including lifelong disabilities and even death.

“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.

“I, therefore, appeal to you to carry out this responsibility with utmost dedication, seeking the support of community gatekeepers, religious leaders, faith-based organisations, and community-based organisations to ensure proper sensitisation and smooth implementation of this campaign in your local government areas”

She hailed the success recorded on the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction (HPVVI) campaign, which has vaccinated over 370,000 girls to prevent cervical cancer.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, disclosed that the new vaccine would replace the current routine measles vaccine.

He explained that the updated formula also protects against congenital defects when rubella is contracted during pregnancy.

“The vaccine is expensive, but the government is providing it free of charge to safeguard public health,” Akanbiemu noted.

He however, noted that the new vaccine will address serious concerns over its link to congenital birth defects, especially when contracted by unvaccinated women during pregnancy.

The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, emphasized the government’s resolve to dispel myths surrounding vaccination and ensure wide acceptance through strategic communication.

The UNICEF’s representative, Mr. Tunde Ayoola, pledged the agency’s continued support, saying UNICEF and its partners would provide technical expertise and assist in vaccine procurement.

“This meeting marks a critical step in unifying our efforts,” he said. “The success of this campaign depends on shared responsibility, timely mobilization, and clear communication with parents and caregivers.”

The state-wide campaign is expected to play a key role in eliminating preventable childhood illnesses and improving maternal health outcomes.