The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has urged community leaders and relevant stakeholders to intensify their efforts in supporting the measles and rubella vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting children across the state.

With the campaign aiming to expand vaccine access for children aged nine months to 15 years as part of a broader national effort to eliminate preventable childhood deaths, the Ondo State First Lady emphasised that everyone has a sacred duty to protect children.

The governor’s wife made this statement during a sensitisation meeting with stakeholders on the Measles Rubella Vaccine (MRV) held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, Ondo State.

While acknowledging persistent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, Oluwaseun 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 commence 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.”

The First Lady also referenced the success of 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, revealed that the measles-rubella vaccine will replace the routine measles vaccine.

While noting that the new vaccine will address serious concerns over its link to congenital birth defects, especially when contracted by unvaccinated women during pregnancy, Akanbiemu added that the vaccine, though expensive, is being provided free of charge to help prevent avoidable health complications in children and mothers.

The governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, emphasised that the meeting would help dispel the myths surrounding vaccination.

UNICEF Representative Mr. Tunde Ayoola affirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the campaign, stressing that UNICEF, in collaboration with other development partners, will provide technical support and help in procuring the vaccines.

“This meeting is a crucial platform for aligning strategies and strengthening community engagement,” he said. “The success of this rollout depends on our collective efforts, timely resource mobilisation, and consistent advocacy to educate parents on the importance of vaccinating their children.”