…First Lady AbdulRazaq hails initiative as life-saving, urges parents’ cooperation

The Kwara State Government has commenced an integrated vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children against Measles-Rubella and Polio across all 16 local government areas of the state.

The exercise, which will run for 10 days beginning Saturday, October 11, 2025, targets about 1.8 million children between the ages of nine months and 14 years for the Measles-Rubella vaccine, and those aged zero to five years for the oral polio vaccine.

The campaign is being coordinated by the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KPHCDA) in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other development partners.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held in Ilorin on Thursday, the Kwara First Lady, Amb. (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the campaign as a life-saving initiative that would go a long way in protecting children and families across the state.

“This exercise is not just a health programme; it is a life-saving intervention for our children and families,” the First Lady said. “I urge all parents and guardians to take advantage of this opportunity by bringing their children forward for vaccination.”

She noted that Nigeria still records low vaccination coverage, with only about 60 per cent of children receiving the first dose of measles vaccine and just 38 per cent completing the second dose. She said this low coverage contributes to periodic outbreaks, hence the need for renewed commitment to vaccination.

According to her, the introduction of the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV) would help close existing gaps and strengthen child survival efforts in Kwara and the country at large.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Taoheed, described the campaign as a transformative health intervention designed to save lives and strengthen community resilience.

She called on stakeholders, including community and religious leaders, to support the government’s effort by sensitising residents and countering myths or misinformation about vaccines.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the KPHCDA, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, disclosed that 8,657 trained personnel have been deployed to carry out the campaign across the state.

“Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, measles remains one of the most contagious and fatal diseases affecting children globally,” she said, adding that between 2000 and 2023, measles vaccination averted over 60 million deaths worldwide.

Prof. Elelu further explained that rubella poses serious health risks to pregnant women, including miscarriage and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), stressing the importance of widespread immunisation.

She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continuous investment in the health sector and the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, who chairs the State Task Force on Immunization, for his dedication to improving healthcare delivery.

Development partners, including representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), urged parents and community leaders to mobilise support for the vaccination teams and ensure full participation in the exercise.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief Whip of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Mariam Yusuf Aladi; Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Seun Oguniyi; Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Shittu Olufunke Mercy; Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya; and other traditional rulers, senior government officials, and community leaders.