Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has sensitised residents on vaccination against measles and rubella diseases in Ibadan.
Mrs Makinde, who led a campaign work on vaccination against measles and rubella at Agodi government Secretariat, emphasised that no child in Oyo State should die from the preventable disease.
She urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional ruler to collaborate for fight against the disease.
She said: “Rubella, in particular, is dangerous for pregnant women. It can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and lifelong disabilities in babies. We must not ignore this.”
“This programme is more than a ceremonial flag-off, it is a call to action for all residents of Oyo State. Vaccines are safe. Vaccines save lives. We cannot afford to be careless with the health of our children.
“This campaign is not just about awareness. It’s about commitment. It’s about the future of our children.”
She also praised efforts of Primary Health Care (PHC) workers, community mobilisers and civil society partners for their dedication to grassroots engagement, particularly in visiting schools and rural communities.
According to her: “The programme is supported by the the wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu who is championing a broader vision to reduce child mortality to zero through timely interventions.
“This is about giving every child in Oyo State a fair chance at life. We are here to create awareness, but more importantly, we are here to change outcomes. Let’s join hands and make it happen.”
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi said the initiative was part of commitment of the state government towards survival of children across the state.
She lamented that despite measles and rubella being a vaccine preventable diseases, they have claimed many children across the state
While describing launching of the vaccine as a call to all stakeholders, the Commissioner urged them to rally behind the life saving intervention.