ONDO STATE GEARS UP FOR INTEGRATED MEASLES–RUBELLA AND MALARIA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

In a bid to ensure that no child is left behind, the Ondo State Government, through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), held a State Social Mobilization Committee Network Meeting to prepare for the upcoming integrated Measles–Rubella (MR) and Malaria vaccination campaign, targeted to vaccinate 2.2 million children, scheduled for February 2, 2026.

The meeting, convened in Akure, brought together representatives from government ministries, partners, civil society organizations, security agencies, and community stakeholders. The primary focus was on strengthening readiness across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to enhance community awareness, demand generation, and ownership of the vaccination process.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Fadiji Florence, State Immunization Officer, provided an overview of the integrated vaccination strategy. She highlighted the importance of vaccinating all eligible children, explaining the health benefits of both the Measles–Rubella and Malaria vaccines, the strategies to ensure complete coverage, and the expected outcomes in reducing child morbidity and mortality in the state.

Mrs. Florence said, “Our goal is simple: no eligible child in Ondo State should miss this opportunity to be protected against these deadly diseases. All hands must be on deck to make this campaign a success.”

Also addressing the gathering, Mrs. Orhorhamreru Moronke, UNICEF SBCC Consultant, stressed the crucial role of community stakeholders, youth engagement through social media, and effective communication strategies in combating misinformation and improving vaccine acceptance.

She noted, “Communities are the backbone of immunization campaigns. By empowering local leaders and youth groups, we can build trust and ensure every parent understands the importance of vaccinating their children.”

Goodwill messages were delivered by Chief Moses Osiako, representing the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Mrs. Olasunbo Babafemi, UNICEF National RI Consultant, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Ondo State Government’s immunization efforts.

The meeting had in attendance robust multisectoral representation, including key government ministries such as Economic Planning & Budgeting, Women Affairs, Information, Education, WATSAN, professional associations, community-based organizations, and development partners such as UNICEF, IVAC, AFENET, and C-WINS.

The integrated campaign, which combines routine Measles–Rubella immunization with malaria vaccination and other routine immunizations, is expected to run for 10 days starting February 2, 2026. It is part of the Nigerian government’s broader efforts to strengthen public health systems and improve child survival rates. In an interview, Dr. Olakunde, Deputy Director of Disease Control and Immunizations at Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, emphasized that the vaccines are safe, free, and effective, urging parents and caregivers to ensure all eligible children receive them.