Sanwo-Olu launches measles–rubella vaccine in Lagos
By Olakunle Oke
The Lagos State Government has officially flagged off the introduction of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine into its Routine Immunisation Programme, in a renewed push to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and improve child survival outcomes across the state.
The flag-off ceremony held at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Council Secretariat, was presided over by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. She was represented at the event by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Mrs. Hamzat described the introduction of the MR vaccine as a clear demonstration of the vision and priorities of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration under its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. She noted that health, human capital development, social inclusion, and governance remain central pillars in the quest to build a prosperous and inclusive Lagos.
She further stated that the present administration has made unprecedented investments in the health sector, resulting in notable improvements in maternal and child health indices, with Primary Health Care positioned as the foundation of a resilient and equitable healthcare system. According to her, the MR vaccine represents a timely and strategic intervention aimed at eliminating measles and rubella while preventing lifelong disabilities among children.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, said the integration of the Measles–Rubella vaccine into routine immunisation marks a critical step towards securing the future of Lagos children.
“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 the strengthening of Primary Health Care as the bedrock of a healthy society,” Ogunyemi said.
On the scope and significance of the programme, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, explained that the introduction of the MR vaccine signifies a shift from reactive outbreak response to sustained disease prevention.
He disclosed that more than 10.4 million children aged between nine months and 14 years would be reached during the initial mass vaccination phase, after which the vaccine would be fully integrated into routine immunisation services at nine months (MR1) and 15 months (MR2).
Dr. Mustafa urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with health workers by ensuring that all eligible children are vaccinated, stressing that the initiative aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda and the broader goal of building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Lagos State.