The Wife of the Kwara State Governor and Founder of the Ajike People Support Centre, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has described the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV) as a life-saving intervention for children and families in the state.
AbdulRazaq stated this on Friday during the official flag-off of the MRV campaign in Ilorin.
She said the introduction of the combined Measles-Rubella Vaccine marks a major step in improving child health and closing gaps in immunization coverage.
According to her, the rollout of the vaccine would help protect every child, mother, and family, bringing the state and the nation closer to achieving the goal of eliminating measles and rubella.
The governor’s wife commended the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency and partner organizations for their efforts in ensuring the successful rollout of the new vaccine across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, who represented the Commissioner, Dr. Aminat El-Imam, said the Integrated Measles-Rubella (MR) and Polio Vaccination Campaign aimed to protect children in all 16 local government areas of the state from preventable diseases.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said the agency had deployed 8,657 trained personnel, including health workers, supervisors, and security officers, to carry out the vaccination exercise.
Prof. Elelu explained that rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women, including miscarriage, fetal death, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
“Measles remains one of the most contagious and fatal viral diseases affecting young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Between 2000 and 2023, measles vaccination alone is estimated to have averted over 60 million deaths globally. Yet, the disease remains endemic in many developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia,” she said.
She assured that the agency would continue to prioritize public health and sustain its commitment to safeguarding lives.
Elelu also noted that immunization, antenatal care, and all non-complicated deliveries are provided free of charge across primary health care centres in the state.
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued investment in the health sector and appreciated the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, who chairs the State Task Force on Immunization and Primary Health Care, for his support.
“We are especially grateful to Her Excellency, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, whose consistent advocacy for maternal and child health has been a beacon of hope for our communities,” she added.
Also speaking, the Social and Behavior Change Specialist with UNICEF, Ibrahim Mohammed, said measles, rubella, and polio continue to pose serious health threats to children despite global progress.
He urged parents, caregivers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to mobilize full participation in the vaccination exercise, while calling on the media and civil society organizations to counter misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
In his remarks, the Emir of Tsonga, Dr. Haliru Yahyah, warned that rubella infection during pregnancy could lead to severe complications.
He emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention and advised expectant mothers and parents to ensure their children are immunized.
