The Kwara State government yesterday launched an integrated vaccination campaign to prevent measles rubella and polio diseases among vulnerable groups in the state.
The exercise, which will last for 10 days beginning from today (Saturday) is expected to cover at least 1.8m children whose ages range between 9 months and 14 years (for measles rubella vaccine) and zero to five years for oral polio vaccine.
The programme was organised by the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF and World Health Organisation (WHO), among other development partners.
At the flag off ceremony in Ilorin, Kwara’s first lady, Prof Olufolake Abdulrazaq, said the initiative was not just a policy milestone but a life-saving intervention for Kwara children and families.
She called on all parents and guardians to present their children within the age range for the vaccination.
She said the introduction of the measles-rubella (MRV) vaccine is essential and timely, considering the outbreaks of measles in some parts of the country.
“Nigeria now contends with a reality in which only about 60 percent of children receive the first dose of measles vaccine, while the second dose coverage is as low as 38 percent. This coverage gap is responsible for the outbreaks.
“By launching MRV, the country, Kwara inclusive, stands the chance of closing a long-standing gap towards protecting every child, mother, and family,” she added.
