Ogun State Launches Measles Vaccination Campaign Targeting 1 Million Children.
In an effort to combat the resurgence of preventable diseases, the Ogun State government has launched its 2024 measles vaccination campaign, aiming to vaccinate over one million children. The campaign was officially flagged off on Friday at Siun by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker.
During the event, Dr Coker emphasised the critical role of vaccination in protecting both individual children and entire communities from highly contagious diseases such as measles. She urged parents to take advantage of this free, safe, and effective public health service, noting that by vaccinating their children, they are contributing to the broader goal of eradicating measles and ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
The state government has trained and deployed over 5,000 health workers to carry out the vaccination exercise across all 20 local government areas, according to Dr Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Development Board.
Local leaders, including Olu of Siun, Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, praised the government’s initiative, encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure eligible children in their communities participate in the programme.
Representatives from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation also lauded the campaign as a vital step towards safeguarding children in the state from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Parents like Adetutu Sowemimo, whose child received the vaccination, commended the government for its proactive approach to healthcare, stressing the importance of such initiatives in ensuring the well-being of children and the community.
The vaccination drive targets children between nine and 59 months of age, with the state aiming to reach over one million children across its 20 local government areas.
