The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases with the introduction of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine into the state’s Routine Immunization programme.
Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, made this known at the flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Council Secretariat. She was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat.
Sanwo-Olu described the MR vaccine as critical to improving child survival outcomes and a reflection of the vision and priorities of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda. She emphasized that health, human capital development, social inclusion, and governance remain key pillars for building a prosperous and inclusive Lagos.
“The present administration has made unprecedented investments in the health sector, leading to significant improvements in maternal and child health indices, with a strong emphasis on primary health care, which forms the foundation of a resilient and equitable health system,” she said.
Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, added that integrating the MR vaccine into routine immunization is a strategic step towards securing the future of children in Lagos.
“No child in Lagos should suffer or die from preventable diseases. This initiative underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to child health, family well-being, and strengthening primary health care,” Ogunyemi said.
Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, explained that the MR vaccine marks a shift from reactive outbreak response to sustained disease prevention. He disclosed that the initial mass vaccination phase would target over 10.4 million children aged nine months to 14 years, after which the vaccine will be fully integrated into routine immunization at nine months (MR1) and 15 months (MR2).
Mustafa urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated, noting that the programme aligns with the government’s goal of building a healthier, safer, and more resilient state.
In his welcome address, Mr Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, commended the state government for prioritizing grassroots healthcare delivery and bringing life-saving interventions closer to communities.
