Osun Govt. targets 2m children in measles-rubella vaccination campaign – Commissioner

The Osun Commissioner for Health, Mr Jola Akintola, has said that more than two million children will be vaccinated against measles and rubella in the state.

Akintola disclosed this during an orientation meeting for journalists on the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign on Tuesday in Osogbo.”

Our correspondent reports that Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that mostly affects children and young adults. It is usually mild, but it can be very serious for pregnant women.

The commissioner said the vaccination exercise was part of the state government’s efforts to protect children from preventable diseases through routine and campaign-based immunisation programmes.

According to him, the campaign targets children between the ages of nine months and 14 years across the state and will run from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5.

“The measles–rubella vaccination campaign is aimed at preventing outbreaks of the diseases, which can lead to severe complications and even death among children if not properly prevented.

“We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the state government and ensure the success of the exercise within the stipulated period,” he said.

Akintola said the government would continue to strengthen routine immunisation and improve child healthcare services in the state.

He added that adequate plans had been put in place to ensure equitable access, statewide coverage, and effective implementation, so that no eligible child is missed.

“The strategies include fixed-post vaccination at health facilities, school-based vaccination teams, house-to-house visits, and community outreach through mobile vaccination teams.

“I wish to reassure residents of Osun State that the measles–rubella vaccine is very safe and effective.

“It is approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria’s relevant regulatory authorities,” Akintola said.

Earlier, the state’s Immunisation Officer, Mrs Francisca Olaore, said the vaccine has no harmful side effects.

Olaore said measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that could lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, and deafness.

She added that the vaccine had been available in the state since Nov. 2025 and is properly stored at the state cold room.

The Executive Secretary of the Osun Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Adesina Igbalaye, said the meeting was aimed at sensitising the public on the government’s plans, strategies, and implementation of the vaccination programme to prevent future outbreaks.

Igbalaye urged residents to ensure that all eligible children between nine months and 14 years are vaccinated.