The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board has urged traditional rulers, especially Ijebu-speaking monarchs, to support the forthcoming Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign, scheduled for January 2026.
The board made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Onilekki of Lekki on Friday.
Speaking for the delegation, the Director of Health Education and Health Promotion Services at LSPHCB, Mrs. Grace Honfor, emphasised the crucial role of traditional rulers in ensuring the campaign’s success.
She urged them to help counter misinformation, myths, and misconceptions about vaccines in their communities, noting that the Measles–Rubella vaccine would be integrated into the routine immunisation schedule following the campaign.
The Immunisation Programme Coordinator for Lagos State, Dr. Adetola Akinpelu, highlighted the health risks posed by measles and rubella (German measles), stressing that the prevalence of these diseases remains high in Africa.
He explained that children aged nine months to 14 years would receive one dose during the introductory phase, and when incorporated into routine immunisation, children aged 9 months and 15 months would receive the vaccine.
He assured stakeholders that the vaccines are safe, effective, and free, and that maximum protection is achieved when both are administered together.
Mallam Aliyu of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) commended the Lagos State Government and traditional rulers for their commitment to public health.
He called for continued partnership and guidance to safeguard families and expressed gratitude to development partners for their support in building public confidence in immunisation programmes.
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