KWARA STATE FIRST LADY TO FLAG OFF MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINE TARGETING 9 MONTHS TO 14-YEAR-OLDS ON OCTOBER 9TH

The Kwara State Government has finalized plans to flag off the nationwide rollout of the new combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine on October 9, 2025, as part of a crucial effort to drastically reduce early childhood mortality and the incidence of congenital birth defects among pregnant women. The state’s launch will be performed by the First Lady of Kwara State.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, confirmed the schedule, describing the introduction of the MR vaccine into the state’s routine immunisation system as a significant public health milestone.

Speaking to journalists, Professor Elelu explained the dual importance of the new vaccine. “Previously, we only administered the measles vaccine, which left children and future mothers exposed to rubella,” she stated. “While rubella may seem like a mild illness, contracting it during pregnancy can lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which causes lifelong disabilities for unborn children.”

The forthcoming launch will feature a comprehensive catch-up campaign targeting children aged nine months to 14 years across all sixteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. The MR vaccine is designed to offer protection against both diseases, a critical move in protecting the state’s most vulnerable population.

According to the KSPHCDA boss, Kwara is fully prepared for the mass exercise. The state has already taken delivery of the vaccines and successfully completed the national-level training. Local health teams are now undergoing training to ensure effective deployment and full coverage, including remote and hard-to-reach communities.

Prof. Elelu also noted that extensive sensitisation has begun, engaging key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and school authorities, to counter misinformation and drive massive vaccine uptake. Awareness campaigns will climax with a community-engagement novelty football match slated for October 8.

The health initiative comes amid the state’s massive investment in healthcare infrastructure, with over 70 Primary Healthcare Centres currently earmarked for renovation across the 16 LGAs, supported by the World Bank IMPACT project, UNICEF, and other partners. Professor Elelu appealed to parents and caregivers to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated, stressing that the state government has consistently prioritized health financing to secure better outcomes for its citizens.