Health District V Holds Stakeholders Engagement On Introduction Of Measles–Rubella Vaccines

The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, has initiated a series of vital stakeholder meetings to prepare for the introduction of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine. These engagements target community leaders, traditional rulers, and transport union members across Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, and Ojo Local Government Areas. The proactive campaign aims to ensure that the public is well-informed before the official vaccination rollout begins on January 27, 2026.

Dr. Asiyanbi explained that the MR vaccine is a necessary intervention because many children tested for measles are often co-infected with Rubella. While the vaccine has been successfully used in Northern Nigeria since 2024, its introduction to the South-West is a strategic move to prevent avoidable disabilities and deaths. The government is focusing on high-density areas to ensure maximum coverage and to address the overlapping symptoms of these two highly contagious viral diseases.

Providing a grim statistical backdrop, Dr. Ahmad Amina Bello, Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, revealed that Nigeria carries a heavy burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). In 2024, approximately 10,000 Nigerian children were born with CRS, accounting for a third of the global total. These infections often lead to lifelong challenges such as deafness and blindness, making the upcoming immunization drive a critical priority for maternal and child health.

​Beyond the long-term disabilities caused by Rubella, the urgency of the campaign is underscored by recent mortality rates. Dr. Bello noted that out of over 9,800 confirmed measles cases last year, 77 deaths were recorded, many of which could have been prevented through timely vaccination. Stakeholders were urged to act as advocates in their respective mosques, churches, and social groups to dismantle myths and encourage parents to bring their children forward for the exercise.

The engagement also served as a reminder of the legal protections afforded to children under the Lagos State Child Rights Law. This legislation affirms that every child has an inherent right to life-saving healthcare and protection from preventable diseases. By involving the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and market leaders, Health District V hopes to create a community-wide support system that ensures no child is left behind during the January campaign.