The Oyo State Government has launched a major health intervention known as the Integrated Measles-Rubella, nOPV2 (Polio), HPV, Routine Immunisation, and NTD Campaign, calling on parents and caregivers across the state to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.
At the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan, officials reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to improving child health and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.
The First Lady’s representative appealed directly to the parents and guardians to take advantage of the campaign, saying:
“I urge every parent to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines,” highlighting that this campaign is about protecting children from preventable diseases.
She added that the exercise is aimed at giving every child a healthy start in life and ensuring equal protection for all.
“This campaign is about giving our children a fair chance at life. I urge every parents, caregivers, and guardians to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines, including this current round that begins here in Oyo State,” she said.
According to her, the commencement of the campaign in Oyo State reflects the government’s proactive attitude toward healthcare and its resolve to ensure that no child is left unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
In her goodwill message, Dr Ijeoma Agbo, UNICEF Health Specialist, Lagos Field Office, commended the Oyo State Government for its leadership and continuous commitment to child survival and development. She described the integrated campaign as a “powerful statement” that places the wellbeing of children at the centre of the state’s development agenda.
“By combining measles, rubella, polio, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, Routine Immunization, and NTD interventions, Oyo State is demonstrating coordination and efficiency that will save more lives and reach more families,” she stated.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued partnership with the Oyo State Government through support for vaccine logistics, cold chain management, waste disposal, and social and behaviour change communication (SBCC).
“Beyond providing vaccines, we must ensure that communities understand, trust, and embrace these life-saving interventions. Every child protected today is an investment in the peace and prosperity of our tomorrow,” Agbo added.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, explained that the campaign targets every eligible child aged nine months to 59 months for the measles-rubella vaccine.
He said the integrated campaign also includes Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and health education to strengthen routine immunisation and improve overall child health.
“No child in Oyo State should be left behind. We are taking vaccination to schools, markets, churches, mosques, and other community centers. This is a collective responsibility that requires all hands on deck,” he said.
Ayinde appreciated the support of UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, and other partners for their technical and financial assistance, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in expanding vaccine coverage and improving health outcomes for children in Oyo State.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to keep mobilising citizens and dispelling misinformation about vaccination.
“Even if a child has been vaccinated before, there is no harm in receiving it again. Let us all work together to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he urged.
The integrated immunisation campaign is part of ongoing efforts by the Oyo State Government and its partners to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that every child in the state enjoys a healthy start to life.
