The Lagos State government has introduced the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine into the state’s Routine Immunisation Programme in lbeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat.
The wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Oluremi Hamzat, described the introduction of the vaccine as the vision of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.
In a statement, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Adetayo Akitoye Asagba, said Sanwo-Olu’s wife noted that health, human capital development, social inclusion, and governance remain critical pillars for building an inclusive state.
Also, Mrs Sanwo-Olu stated that the administration had invested a lot in the sector, leading to improvements in maternal and child health, especially primary healthcare.
According to her, Asagba said the introduction was timely and aimed at eliminating the disease and prevent disabilities among children.
The Special adviser to the governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, according to Asagba, noted that the use of the vaccine was vital to securing children.
“No child in Lagos should suffer or die from diseases that are preventable. This initiative underscores our administration’s commitment to child health, family well-being, and the strengthening of primary health care as the bedrock of a healthy society.” Mrs. Ogunyemi stated.
On the importance of the initiative, the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, explained that the use of the vaccine marked a shift from reactive response to an outbreak to sustained prevention.
He said over 10.4 million children aged nine months to 14 years would be reached during the initial mass vaccination phase, after which the vaccine would be fully integrated into routine immunisation at nine months (MR1) and 15 months (MR2).
He urged parents to ensure that eligible children were vaccinated, stressing that the initiative aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the administration and the goal of building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Lagos.
Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for prioritising grassroots healthcare delivery and bringing life-saving interventions closer to communities.
Dignitaries at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; Permanent Secretary Health District V, Dr Asiyanbi; Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Wahili Olashunkami Rasaki; chiefs; political leaders from Ibeju-Lekki and communities, as well as representatives of development partner organisations, including World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children Funds (UNICEF), CHAI, GAVI and AFENET.
Others were the Chairman, Lekki Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Kasali, and his wife; Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), and LSPHCB directors.