Measles-Rubella Vaccine Campaign: NOA Ready For Maximum Public Re-orientation – Oyo Director

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan

The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Simiat Ajolayo Akande on Monday, hinted of the agency’s readiness for grassroots mobilization and proper sensitization campaigns on the nationwide rollout of the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine Campaign.

Receiving the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board team to the agency’s headquarters in Ibadan during a courtesy visit, the NOA state Director said the agency is fully readiness to partner in delivering the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine Campaign objectives.

According to Mrs Akande, that NOA’s field officers at the state, zonal, and local government levels are already being positioned for massive community engagement.

” We thank Oyo state Primary Health Care Board for this timely and strategic visit. From what has been shared today, it is clear that this campaign is not just a technical rollout, it is a life-saving mission. As always, NOA Oyo is ready and willing to work with you,” she said.

Mrs Akande added,”We accept your hand of partnership, and we will fully deploy our communication structures to ensure every eligible household understands the importance of this vaccine.We will confront misinformation head-on and ensure our children are protected”.

While acknowledging the existing gaps in local-level coordination, Mrs Akande maintained that mechanisms are being put in place to ensure seamless collaboration with health educators and vaccination teams.

The Oyo state Primary Health Care Board, lead representative, Mr. Olarinde Samuel while speaking emphasized the need to protect Nigerian children from vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly measles and rubella, which remain among the leading causes of child illness, disability, and death in the country.

“After rigorous scientific research and strategic alignment with the Federal Government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), we are introducing the combined Measles-Rubella vaccine to reach children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. This is not just a one-off campaign. The vaccine will be routinized into the national immunization schedule, offering lasting protection for current and future generations”

Mr Samuel then urged the NOA Oyo to leverage its strong grassroots network, build public trust, combat vaccine misinformation, and sensitize communities for the success of the campaign.