Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu launches measles-rubella vaccination drive targeting children aged nine months to 14 years.
She urges parents, schools and community leaders to ensure full participation for child health protection.
The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has launched the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign, urging parents, guardians, and community leaders to ensure that every eligible child is immunized.
The campaign kicked off on Thursday with an awareness walk from the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, through Obafemi Awolowo Way to Allen Roundabout, Ikeja. It was followed by a stakeholders’ engagement session at the Lagos House, Alausa.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the initiative reflects the state government’s determination to protect children from preventable diseases and secure the future of the coming generations.
“This action by the governor is not only a testament to his passion for child health but also a reflection of the State Government’s resolve to eliminate preventable diseases,” she said, noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved counterpart funding for the campaign in August.
The vaccination drive, championed under the Governor’s Spouses Forum Initiative with support from the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions, will target children aged nine months to 14 years.
According to Dr. Sanwo-Olu, two doses provide up to 85% immunity against measles and rubella, with only mild side effects such as fever or rash in rare cases.
She assured parents that the vaccines would be free, safe, and accessible in all government health facilities and schools across Lagos State from January 2026.
Rubella, also known as German Measles, is a contagious viral illness that may cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, can be subclinical.
Public health experts warn that outbreaks are most dangerous for unvaccinated children and pregnant women, making mass immunization critical.
A highlight of the launch was the inauguration of traditional rulers and religious leaders as vaccination ambassadors.
Among them were the Oba of Lagos, the Oniru of Iruland, the Onigando of Igando, the Oniba of Iba, the paramount ruler of Igbogbo, the Bale of Marine Beach, the Chief Imam of Lagos, the Lagos Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Iya Oloja General, and the Eze Ndigbo.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu described their involvement as vital in driving community acceptance and boosting participation.
“This is a collective social responsibility. Together, we can ensure no child is left behind,” she said.
