The Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EKSPHCDA) in partnership with UNICEF and other health development partners
have solicited the support of Ekiti Monarchs, religious leaders and other relevant bodies in the state at ensuring the success of Measles- Rubella vaccination billed to be introduced to children in the state in January 2026
The State Health Educator for the Agency, Dr. Mrs Olajumoke Oguntoye while speaking at the one day stakeholders meeting of the Social Mobilization Committee held in Ado Ekiti on Monday said the meeting became necessary in other to ensure full participation by all caregivers in the state without rejection from any ward.
She explained further that sensitising the traditional rulers, religious leaders and other bodies became necessary because of the major and crucial role they play in the society and also the respect they command among their subjects. Olajumoke highlighted further that the successes they have recorded in their previous exercises were made possible because of the full support they received from these people.
Speaking further, Dr. Olajumoke said the advocacy and sensitization of Measles- Rubella vaccine in Ekiti State is also important in other to ensure proper and broader awareness of the vaccine before the exercise begins in January.
She said further that the target age for the vaccine is between 9 months to fourteen years old and these will be captured in the schools, mosques, churches and even at homes at the commencement of the programme.
“We want the awareness to be there. We don’t want any non compliance when we want to implement this programme. We want all the eligible children between the age of nine months to fourteen years to get vaccinated by the time we will be introducing the vaccine in January.” She said.
Dr. Oguntoye emphasised that the initiative is part of preparations for the 2025 Second Round of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) being organized by the Ekiti State Government in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners. She noted that the programme will integrate routine immunization, primary healthcare services, and other interventions to enhance efficiency and improve health outcomes at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the State Nutrition Officer, Dr. Bolanle Olorunyomi, emphasized the critical importance of Vitamin A supplementation for mothers, newborns, and children. She noted that Vitamin A improves eyesight, strengthens immunity, and protects children from various infections.
Schedule of Implementation is from 1st to 5th December from 8pm to 2pm daily, while the target groups include, children aged 9– 59 months for vitamin A supplement, children 0 — 2 years, routine immunisation antigens, while 9 year old girls will receive HPV vaccination and pregnant women and others will have access to ANC micronutrient supplementation s.
Health experts describe measles as a highly contagious and potentially deadly viral disease that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. Rubella, also known as German measles, is another contagious viral infection that presents with milder symptoms but poses significant risks, especially for pregnant women.
Participants at the meeting were drawn from across the 16 local government areas of the state. They included representatives from the media, National Orientation Agency, education sector, market associations, artisans, labour unions, ethnic groups, drivers’ unions, and both public and private schools.
.
