Ado-Odo/Ota LG Intensifies Childhood Immunisation with Measles–Rubella and HPV Vaccines

 Ado-Odo/Ota LG Intensifies Childhood Immunisation with Measles–Rubella and HPV Vaccines

The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State has intensified efforts to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases with the rollout of an expanded immunisation programme covering measles, rubella and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

The Local Government Health Educator, Dr. Augustine Bankole (PhD), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on the forthcoming Measles–Rubella vaccination and other integrated health services, held at the Primary Health Centre within the Local Government Secretariat in Ota. He emphasised the importance of timely vaccination in safeguarding children’s health and strengthening community immunity.

According to Dr. Bankole, the Measles–Rubella vaccination is a priority concern for the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Government, state governments and local governments. He explained that the vaccination exercise commenced from January 20 to 31, with additional days set aside for mop-up activities.

“Ogun State is targeting about three million children for this vaccination exercise,” he said.

Dr. Bankole noted that the programme provides routine immunisation for children aged 0–23 months, while the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine is being administered to children between nine months and 14 years. He added that the HPV vaccine targets girls aged nine years as part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer. Overall, the exercise covers all children from birth to 14 years across the local government area.

He further explained that measles often presents initially through the eyes, while rubella commonly begins around the neck area. Reassuring parents and caregivers, Dr. Bankole stated that the vaccines are safe, effective and approved, stressing that immunisation remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective public health interventions. He added that the vaccines would be available at various Primary Health Centres across the local government.

Earlier in his remarks, Medical Officer of Health / Health Secretary, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Dr. Jelili Bakare welcomed stakeholders to the meeting on behalf of the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Wasiu Lawal, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign.

Speaking on community participation, the representative of the Community Development Association (CDA) and former Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Kayode Idowu-Ojumo, commended the initiative and pledged strong grassroots support. He said the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) would go the extra mile in creating awareness and enlightenment to mobilise more residents to benefit from the programme.

According to him, sustained sensitisation at the community level will ensure wider participation and enable more families to access the life-saving vaccines, as Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government continues to prioritise child health and overall wellbeing in Ogun State.