Osun State Government has announced a Measles – Rubella vaccination campaign targeting over two million children. The initiative focuses on children aged nine months to 14 years across the state. A total of 2,048,840 children are expected to benefit from the campaign.
State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, disclosed the plans during a media briefing in Osogbo. The campaign will cover all 30 Local Government Areas and the Modakeke Area Office. It aims to strengthen immunity and prevent disease transmission across communities.
Rubella, also called German measles, is a contagious viral disease similar to measles but generally milder. Symptoms include rash, cough, running nose, and red, watery eyes. The disease poses severe risks for pregnant women, potentially causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). CRS can lead to blindness, deafness, heart defects, or brain damage in newborns.
Akintola emphasized that the Measles – Rubella vaccine is safe and effective. All children, regardless of previous immunisation, are eligible for vaccination unless severely ill. The campaign will use fixed-post health facilities, school-based teams, house-to-house visits, and mobile outreach services. These strategies ensure coverage in hard-to-reach and riverine communities.
The vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization and Nigeria’s regulatory authorities. Mild side effects, such as low-grade fever, mild rash, or slight swelling, may occur but resolve quickly. The benefits of immunisation far outweigh these minor reactions.
Parents, caregivers, school authorities, religious and traditional leaders, and the media are encouraged to support the initiative. The campaign, running from January 20 to 29, 2026, aims to reduce measles cases significantly.
Overall, Osun State prioritizes child health by implementing this life-saving, statewide Measles–Rubella program.
