By Femi Martins Afolayan
The Ekiti State Government has officially flagged off the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine introduction campaign, targeted at protecting children aged nine months to 14 years from the deadly but preventable diseases of Measles and Rubella.
The statewide exercise, which commenced on January 27 and will end on February 5, 2026, is being implemented by the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony which took place on Monday 26th January 2026 at Comprehensive Health Centre Oke Iyinmi in Ado Ekiti,the Board Chairman of SPHCDA, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunke Ogunbunmi, said the campaign aims to achieve at least 95 per cent immunisation coverage and to ensure high population immunity, prevent future outbreaks and safeguard the most vulnerable children in the state.
Dr. Ogunbunmi disclosed that the Measles–Rubella vaccine is being provided free of charge at all public health facilities, temporary fixed posts and schools across communities in Ekiti State to ensure universal access.
“This campaign is not merely a health intervention; it is an investment in the future of our children and our state. When our children are healthy, they stay in school, thrive academically and grow into productive citizens,” she said.
She stressed that the success of the exercise requires a collective community effort, urging traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads and parents to mobilise families, counter myths and misinformation surrounding vaccines, and support health workers delivering the service.
After the official flag-off, Dr. Ogunbunmi granted an interview with journalists, where she reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible child is left unvaccinated. She described the MR vaccine as safe, effective and critical to achieving a healthier and wealthier Ekiti State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr Filani Oyebanji represented by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the Commissioner said the Measles–Rubella Campaign underscores the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our children.
“Measles and Rubella remain preventable diseases, and vaccination is the most effective means of protection. I therefore call on all parents and caregivers to present their eligible children for this exercise. 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.” The Commissioner remarked.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of SPHCDA, Dr. Rasheed Adepoju, noted that measles and rubella pose serious public health threats but are completely preventable through vaccination.
He explained that the campaign aligns with national and global efforts to eliminate measles, control rubella, reduce child morbidity and mortality, and strengthen routine immunisation services.
Dr. Adepoju recalled that advocacy and sensitisation for the campaign began in April 2025, when the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, convened a high-level stakeholders’ advocacy meeting to mobilise support for the exercise.
He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji Oyebanji and the First Lady for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of women and children, as well as the Ministry of Health, SPHCDA leadership, health workers, development partners, community and religious leaders, and mothers for their continued support of immunisation programmes.
The flag-off ceremony was well attended by government officials and health partners and stakeholders, many of whom delivered goodwill messages in support of the campaign.
Among those present were PS HMB Dr Olasunkanni Alabi and her counterpart from Ministry of Education Mr Bayode Ogunmola represented by Mr S.O Bodunde a director from the ministry,World Health Organisation (WHO) represented by its Ekiti State Coordinator, Pharmacist Akeem Busari; UNICEF, represented by its Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Officer in Ekiti State, Mr.Ridwan Olasunkanni.AFENET, represented by the State Coordinator Dr. Olawumi Adeoye; and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), represented by its state coordinator Mr. Busayo Afuye.
Others included IVAC, represented by Mrs. Aladenika, State Technical Assistant; the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ekiti State Branch; Girls Effect, represented by Mr. Idris Suleiman; the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), led by Mrs. Beauty Onikpe.
All the partners pledged continued collaboration with the Ekiti State Government to ensure the success of the Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign.
The event also attracted top government officials, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, health professionals, community representatives and members of the media.
