News Investigators/ The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has pledged his support for the National Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government will launch a nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in October.
Ogunwusi who made the pledge while briefing newsmen in Abuja, also called for mass mobilisation for the exercise.
He said that the campaign which will be anchored by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), along with other health stakeholders. is an exercise that every Nigeria must support and key into.
“Measles and Rubella are not distant problems, they are real threats affecting our families and taking young lives.The good news is that these diseases are vaccine-preventable.
“This campaign targeting the vaccination of children from Nine months old to 14 years is not just an event; it is a call to protect our future.
“The nationwide rollout of the Measles-Rubella vaccine is expected to significantly reduce childhood mortality and improve Nigeria’s overall health indicators,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to take collective action to further encourage the health sector to continue to provide for its people vaccine for preventable diseases.
“I fully endorse the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign and I called on all parents, caregivers, school authorities, and community leaders to ensure our children participate in this exercise to our future,” he stressed.
The traditional ruler also called on his colleagues, religious leaders and community influencers to rally their support for this vaccination exercise, and also pass the message to their subject in their various communities
“We want you to educate, dispel myths, and mobilize every parent to vaccinate their children.”
The Ooni also pledged to activate the influence of traditional institutions across the country to ensure the message reaches every household.
“Together, we can protect our children and build a healthier future for our land, we did it before during the COVID and we can do it again. We will continue to support the health initiatives of the NPHCDA” he said.
NAN reports that the campaign is part of the Nigeria’s broader efforts to eliminate measles and rubella, in line with global health goals and sustainable development priorities.
This initiative had received widespread support from government bodies and international health partners.
NAN reports that Ooni’s endorsement is expected to boost community trust and accelerate uptake, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional leaders hold much ground.
NAN
