The Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, has reassured residents about the safety of the Measles Rubella vaccine for children. According to Dr. Sekinat Bola Oyebamiji, President of the association and a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, the vaccine has a proven track record of safety, having been used in the United Kingdom since the 1970s.
Oyebamiji made this statement while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting on the upcoming Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign in Osogbo. She emphasized the importance of the vaccine, urging community leaders to disseminate accurate information about the campaign in religious centers and schools across the state. The campaign is particularly significant to the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, as its members are both medical professionals and mothers, with a focus on child welfare.
The Measles Rubella vaccine is a crucial addition to existing vaccination programs, as it provides further protection against Congenital Rubella Syndrome, which can cause conditions such as blindness and deafness. Prior to this campaign, the rubella vaccine was mainly accessible to affluent families in urban areas like Abuja and Lagos. Oyebamiji commended the Federal Ministry of Health and President Bola Tinubu for making the vaccine available nationwide.
The State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Tope Shadare, attributed the success of vaccination programs in Osun State to the commitment of stakeholders and government support. The campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years, with routine immunization covering children between nine and 15 months. Trained and licensed vaccinators will administer the injectable vaccine.
Representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation confirmed that vaccines, materials, and funding have been provided for the campaign. They urged parents to ensure that their children receive the vaccine only once, as recommended. The Osun State Parents Teachers Association has pledged its support for the campaign, identifying rumors, political machinations, and religious sentiments as challenges to vaccination efforts.
The Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign is a significant step towards ensuring the healthy wellbeing of children in Osun State. With the support of stakeholders and the government, the campaign aims to provide protection against measles and rubella, ultimately reducing fatality rates among children. As the campaign progresses, it is essential for community leaders and parents to work together to promote awareness and encourage vaccination, safeguarding the health and future of the state’s children.
