Ikeja LG Flags-Off Free Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign For Children

The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign was officially flagged off in Ikeja Local Government Area with a rally and motorised sensitisation exercise across Ikeja and its environs. Residents from all six wards turned out en masse for the campaign, which will run for a period of two weeks.

The flag-off ceremony was performed by the wife of the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Temitope Fausat Dauda, who represented her husband, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda.

In her welcome address, she appreciated the presence of stakeholders, management staff, and health partners, and thanked them for their continued support towards the growth and development of the Ikeja Agenda.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Dauda described the vaccination campaign as a critical step towards safeguarding the health and future of children in Ikeja Local Government.

“This campaign is very close to my heart because it is about protecting the lives and futures of our children. Measles and rubella are not ordinary childhood illnesses. They are serious diseases that can lead to complications such as blindness, deafness, brain damage, and even death,” she said.

She further warned that rubella infection during pregnancy could result in severe birth defects in unborn babies, stressing the importance of prevention through vaccination. Reassuring parents and caregivers, Mrs. Dauda emphasised that the Measles–Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and provided free of charge.

“I want to reassure all parents and caregivers that the vaccine is safe, the vaccine is effective, and the vaccine is free of charge,” she stated.

Mrs. Dauda urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to ensure that all children aged 9 months to 14 years are vaccinated during the campaign, regardless of whether they had previously received routine immunisation. She also called on mothers, women, and caregivers to actively mobilise their communities, encourage participation, and dispel rumours and misinformation surrounding immunisation.

Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Isiaka Ayodeji Hassan, delivered a goodwill message in which he highlighted the dangers and serious health implications of measles and rubella. He noted that Nigeria accounts for nearly 37 per cent of global measles and rubella cases, with over 87 per cent of infections affecting children under the age of 15, thereby increasing the risk of Congenital Rubella Syndrome, particularly among infants born to infected pregnant women.

Dr. Hassan commended the collaboration between the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Lagos State Government, and development partners, describing the vaccination exercise as critical to preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. He reaffirmed the World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Nigerian children.

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Dr. Awodele Abidemi Ibijoke, further explained and translated the message of the WHO Zonal Coordinator. She educated attendees on the dangers of measles and rubella, particularly for pregnant women, and stated that vaccination teams would visit churches, mosques, streets, and communities to ensure no child in Ikeja Local Government is left out. She reiterated that the disease can be silent and that the campaign targets children aged 9 months to 14 years, assuring the public that the vaccine is safe and free.

The Health Educator of Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Afolabi Sanni, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all participants and stakeholders for their presence and support. She further reinforced the benefits of vaccination and highlighted the risks of not vaccinating infants and children within the target age group.

The programme concluded with a closing prayer led by the Head of the Education Department, Mr. Ogundele Olufemi.

Dignitaries at the event included the Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Abisola Omisore; APC Women Leader, Mrs. Obaseki; the Council Manager, Mrs. Odubeko Juliana Taiwo; other management staff; the Officer-in-Charge of Health; Apex Nurses; Health Educators; health workers; mothers; women; and children.