The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has called on parents and guardians to disregard myths and misconceptions surrounding the measles and rubella vaccines.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Tuesday in Akure during a sensitisation meeting with stakeholders on the measles-rubella vaccination campaign.
She emphasised that the vaccine was safe, free, effective, and life-saving, but noted that hesitancy persisted due to fear and misinformation.
“The truth is that millions of children worldwide have been safely vaccinated.
“Thanks to vaccination, measles and rubella have been significantly reduced in many countries,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to use their influence to educate communities and counter vaccine-related misinformation.
“Your voices carry significant influence, and we need your leadership to combat the falsehoods that are discouraging families from vaccinating their children,” she added.
She also commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his strong commitment to maternal and child health in the state.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa highlighted that 102 primary healthcare centres had been rehabilitated to improve access to essential services.
Speaking further, she stressed that vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and rubella could cause lifelong disabilities and even death; urging communities not to let myths or ignorance endanger children’s lives.
“The introduction of the measles-rubella vaccine is a crucial step in protecting our children, especially those between nine months and 15 years, from these diseases.
“As leaders and influencers, I trust you to spread awareness and encourage parents to vaccinate their children,” she noted.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo Primary Healthcare Development Agency, described measles and rubella as devastating and deadly diseases that required urgent prevention.
He said that Ondo State had previously recorded excellent immunisation coverage due to the governor’s unwavering commitment to the health sector.
He also lauded the governor’s wife for initiating awareness campaigns on the diseases.
According to Akanbiemu, the upcoming vaccination exercise will target children aged nine months to 14 years and will be conducted over 12 days, beginning in January 2026.
