Ondo State Launches Ambitious Campaign to Protect 2.2 Million Children from Measles and Rubella

In a decisive public health initiative, the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has announced a comprehensive campaign to vaccinate approximately 2.2 million children against the dual threats of measles and rubella. The ten-day exercise, scheduled for January 20-29, 2026, will target every child aged nine months to 14 years across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

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Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, the Permanent Secretary of the OSPHCDA, outlined the campaign’s scope during a media sensitization event in Akure. Represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, Akanbiemu emphasized the critical importance of achieving high coverage to build community immunity and prevent outbreaks. “This vaccination will be administered via injection and is rigorously tested for safety and efficacy,” he assured, directly addressing common parental concerns about adverse effects.

This campaign addresses two highly contagious viral diseases with potentially severe consequences. Measles can lead to fatal complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and severe dehydration, especially in malnourished children. Rubella, while often mild in children, poses a grave danger to unborn babies; if a pregnant woman contracts the virus, it can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), resulting in catastrophic birth defects including deafness, blindness, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. Vaccination is the only reliable shield against these outcomes.

To ensure no child is missed, the agency has developed a nuanced strategy. Mrs. Florence Fadiji, the State Immunisation Officer, explained that services will be delivered through both fixed posts (at health facilities and designated centers) and mobile teams that will traverse communities, markets, and hard-to-reach settlements. Dr. Akanbiemu added that the agency has conducted micro-planning to “address the unique challenges of each community,” which may include logistical hurdles, cultural sensitivities, or vaccine hesitancy.

Highlighting the campaign’s seriousness, officials pointed to existing legal provisions that penalize individuals or groups who obstruct immunization efforts. This legal backing is crucial for protecting health workers and ensuring program integrity. However, the primary strategy remains community engagement. The agency made a direct appeal to parents, guardians, and community leaders, stressing that the vaccine is completely free and a fundamental right of every child. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] They called for a collaborative effort with media organizations to amplify accurate information, counter misinformation, and build public trust, which is essential for the campaign’s success.

This mass vaccination drive is more than a local health event; it is a vital component of national and global disease elimination goals. High vaccination coverage in a state like Ondo creates a ‘firewall’ that helps prevent the spread of viruses to neighboring states and protects vulnerable populations nationwide. The data collected will also contribute to monitoring Nigeria’s progress toward its commitment to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) measles and rubella control targets.

The success of the January 2026 campaign hinges on widespread community participation. By bringing this life-saving intervention directly to the doorstep of millions, Ondo State is taking a monumental step toward securing a healthier future for its children and strengthening the public health infrastructure for generations to come.