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The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi has convened a series of Stakeholders’ Engagement Meetings to sensitise key Community Leaders, Traditional Rulers, Market Leaders, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among others, on the introduction of the Measles–Rubella (MR) Vaccine within the State.
The Stakeholders’ Engagement Meetings were conducted across three Local Governments within the District, namely Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, and Ojo Local Government Area, while Badagry Division has been scheduled as the next stop for the engagement.
Speaking at the meetings, the Permanent Secretary said that the introduction of the Measles–Rubella vaccine is a proactive step by the Lagos State Government to safeguard children’s health and prevent avoidable deaths and disabilities.
The Measles–Rubella vaccine, which has been successfully introduced and administered in Northern Nigeria since 2024, is now being rolled out in the South-West geopolitical zone. Lagos State is scheduled to commence its vaccination exercise on 27th January 2026.
Dr. Asiyanbi said, Measles and Rubella are viral diseases with similar symptoms. Medical investigations have shown that when children are tested for Measles, many are often found to be co-infected with Rubella, or affected by Rubella alone. This overlap makes the combined Measles–Rubella vaccine a critical public health intervention.
According to the Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, Dr. Ahmad Amina Bello,
Rubella infection during pregnancy poses grave risks, as it can lead to congenital Rubella syndrome, resulting in children being born with conditions such as Deafness, Blindness, and other Lifelong Disabilities.
She said that records indicate that in 2024 alone, about 10,000 children were born with cases of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in Nigeria, a third of the global burden.
She also notes that about 77 deaths occurred as a result of Measles infection out of the 9821 cases confirmed, underscoring the urgent need for prevention.
The Stakeholders’ Engagement meetings were organised to inform, educate, and mobilise stakeholders to support widespread public awareness and acceptance of the new vaccine. Participants were encouraged to serve as advocates within their communities, including Mosques, Churches, Schools, and Social Groups, to ensure that Parents and Caregivers understand the importance of Immunisation.
Stakeholders were also reminded of the Child Rights Law, which affirms every child’s right to healthcare, and protection, including access to life-saving vaccinations.
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