The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYOPHCB) is set to commence the integrated Measles-Rubella vaccination exercise.
The Executive Secretary of OYOPHCB, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Ibadan to herald the exercise.
Olatunji said the vaccination exercise targets three million children in the state and is expected to run from October 4 to October 14, with an additional two days for a mop-up exercise.
According to the Secretary, the exercise is designed to protect large cohorts of children aged nine months to 14 years, as well as to address gaps among those who have never received the Rubella vaccine.
He also mentioned that the administration of the Measles-Rubella vaccine will be routine, like any other vaccination, following the two-day mop-up exercise.
The official explained that this initiative would allow nursing mothers to take their children to Public Health Care Centres (PHCs) to receive the vaccine free of charge.
He noted that Rubella sometimes mimics Measles, which can lead to confusion among parents in differentiating between the two.
Olatunji emphasized that this situation necessitates the government’s effort to administer the Measles and Rubella vaccines together for comprehensive protection for children.
He stated that Measles remains one of the most highly contagious viral diseases, characterized by fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and a distinctive rash, which can lead to severe complications.
The official added that the disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide, while Rubella, also known as German measles, typically causes mild illness in children and adults.
Also Read:Â Kogi Seeks Media Partnership on Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive
According to him, Rubella infection during pregnancy can result in severe birth defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
“Rubella burden in Nigeria is underreported due to limited surveillance. As of 2024, CRS remains a significant global public health concern, with an estimated 100,000 babies born with CRS each year.
“Additionally, the current high level of susceptibility to Rubella among women of childbearing age contributes to the national CRS burden.
“In 2024, a total of 10 Rubella cases were reported from six local government areas in the state: Ibadan Northeast, Ibadan Southwest, Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, Lagelu, and Ogbomoso South,” he said.
Also speaking, the State Immunization Officer, Mr. Adedamola Adediran, said the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign was implemented to close immunity gaps, as the integrated Measles-Rubella vaccine has a better capability than the Measles-only vaccine.
“The aim of the integrated Measles-Rubella campaign is to reduce Measles and Rubella incidence in Nigeria to fewer than five cases per million by 2026, by increasing population immunity through vaccination.
“It is also part of a broader effort to reduce Measles and Rubella incidence to fewer than one case per million by 2030 and to achieve total elimination, in line with the national Measles-Rubella elimination plan,” he said.
