Ekiti govt seeks monarchs’ support on measles-rubella vaccination
The Ekiti State Government has called on traditional rulers across the state to actively support the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, aimed at improving child health and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases among children.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers in Ado-Ekiti, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, emphasized the critical role of monarchs in mobilizing communities, especially in rural areas where vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge.
“Your voices as royal fathers carry immense influence,” Dr. Filani stated. “We need your help to ensure our people understand the importance of the Measles-Rubella vaccination and take advantage of the campaign.”
The vaccination exercise is set to commence in the coming weeks and will target children aged 9 months to 5 years, covering all 16 local government areas of the state. The initiative is part of a broader national immunization strategy supported by global health partners including WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, assured the government of the traditional institution’s full backing.
“We will not only support this drive but also sensitize our people in local dialects so no child is left out,” the monarch said.
The Ekiti State Government plans to deploy mobile vaccination teams, set up temporary posts in schools, marketplaces, churches, and mosques, and leverage community influencers to ensure a successful campaign.
Health experts in the state warn that a low turnout could lead to an outbreak, especially as some parts of Nigeria have recently recorded clusters of measles cases.
Parents and caregivers are urged to make their children available for the free vaccination and to contact their local health centers for additional information.