Lagos Health District III Seeks Cooperation Of Stakeholders Ahead Of Measles–Rubella Vaccine Introduction

Lagos State Health District III has concluded a series of high-level meetings across Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Eti-Osa to ensure a smooth rollout of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine . Permanent Secretary Dr. Monsurat Adeleke led the discussions, emphasizing that the success of this public health initiative relies heavily on community trust. The meetings brought together traditional rulers, health facility heads, and development partners to synchronize logistics and community sensitization efforts.

​Dr. Adeleke highlighted that measles and rubella remain significant contributors to childhood illness and mortality in the region. The introduction of the combined MR vaccine is viewed as a milestone in the state’s THEMES Plus agenda, specifically targeting the reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases. She stressed that community ownership is the only way to ensure that the vaccine reaches children in even the most remote areas of the district.

A unique aspect of the engagement in Ibeju-Lekki involved discussions on the MAMI framework, which focuses on community-based maternal and perinatal death surveillance. Dr. Adeleke praised the collaboration with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for providing emergency transport for pregnant women in hard-to-reach areas. This integrated approach to health ensures that the MR vaccine campaign is supported by a robust network of emergency and maternal care services.

​The technical sessions during these meetings focused on micro-planning, cold-chain management, and accurate data reporting. Dr. Adeleke issued a strong appeal to religious and community influencers to use their platforms to dispel misinformation and combat vaccine hesitancy. She reassured residents that the MR vaccine is safe, effective, and free, stating that the health of the next generation is a collective responsibility that transcends individual doubts.

Stakeholders across the three Local Government Areas unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to the campaign, pledging to strengthen community-based referral systems. By aligning surveillance mechanisms and emergency response networks, Health District III aims to achieve record-breaking immunization coverage. The goal is to create a "herd immunity" effect that protects vulnerable children and reinforces the overall public health infrastructure of Lagos State.