By Stanley Okafor
Health officials from the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency, EKSPHCDA, have taken their advocacy sensitization to the introduction of Measles – Rubella Vaccine to the palace of the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Ijero local government area of Ekiti State, Oba Adebayo Adewole.
Representative of the World Health Organisation in Ekiti State, Dr Eronini Ebubechi, told the royal father that the sensitization campaign was brought to his palace for him to encourage parents on the essence of ensuring that their children who fall within the target ages of 9 – 14 take the vaccine.
Dr Ebubechi said the vaccine is safe, free and very important for the protection of children against measles and rubella diseases. Adding that the vaccination campaign is to bridge the gap of health inequality where everybody has an equal right to health, where all the children have equal right to health.
”Measles – Rubella is a disease that has always been with us. But the rubella vaccine is something that we also need because rubella diseases also cause damage to an unborn child if the mother is infected”.
She said by administering the vaccine to children against the diseases, the high level of measles will be reduced. According to her, the vaccine will be available at schools, churches, mosques and in the health facilities. Dr Ebubechi disclosed that in Ekiti state, the campaign will start in January 2026.
In his address, the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom. Oba Adebayo Adewole, being a traditional leader and a father to the community, urged every parent, guardian, and caregiver to ensure that all children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years receive the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine during the upcoming national and state vaccination campaigns.
In his word, “Measles and Rubella are highly contagious diseases that pose severe risks to our children. Measles can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain damage, and even death. Rubella, though often mild in children, can have devastating consequences for unborn babies if contracted by pregnant women, causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe birth defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
“These diseases spread rapidly, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. We must act now to protect our children, our families, and our future generations.
Medical experts worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), have confirmed that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent Measles and Rubella.
“The MR vaccine has been rigorously tested and used globally to save millions of lives. By vaccinating our children, we shield them from preventable suffering and contribute to the eradication of these deadly diseases in our society.
“The National Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign will be officially launched in October 2025, with Ekiti State’s campaign commencing in January 2026. Health workers will visit homes, schools, and health centers to administer the vaccine free of charge.
“I implore every family in Ijero Kingdom and across Ekiti State to take advantage of this opportunity”, said the monarch.
He commended the World Health Organisation. UNICEF, and government at all levels for their support in ensuring that people’s health matters.
The monarch noted that it is a gesture he would advise everybody in the community to embrace for the health of their children, especially as it involves no cost.
Earlier, the initiator of the Advocacy C-WINS, Centre For Well Integrated Nutrition Solution and Girl Effect, Dr. (Mrs) Olajumoke Olabimpe Oguntoye, who hailed the gathering on behalf of SPHCDA Board Chairman, Dr. Funke Ogunbunmi, Hon. Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Filani Oyebanji, and Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Kolawole Taiwo, introduced the entire team and made the essence of the advocacy visit known to them.
Stressing that, one of the tools for the sensitization is distribution of flyers to acquaint people with what measles – rubella is all about. Adding that the flyers will equally highlight why such sensitization is embarked on in Nigeria.
Dr. (Mrs) Oguntoye appealed to the palace chiefs to disseminate the information to their various families so that the importance can easily be embraced as she also stressed on other vaccines preventable diseases.
On the visit were the Board Chairman, SPHCDA , Dr Funke Ogunbunmi, Executive Secretary, Dr Rasheed Adepoju, Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr Taiwo Kolawole, and State Immunization Officer, Mrs Ogundola Omolabake.
The visit which is expected to continue in Ido/Osi and Moba local government areas on dates yet to be announced, was facilitated by C-WINS Technical Assistant, Dr. (Mrs) Olajumoke Olabimpe Oguntoye for Measles – Rubella Vaccine Introduction in Ekiti State.
