….Launches Measles‑Rubella Vaccine Drive
The Ekiti State government has, in the last 11 months, vaccinated over 226 429 eligible girls in the State against the Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection and a leading cause of cervical cancer.
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, made the disclosure in Ado-Ekiti during a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the introduction of Measles and Rubella vaccines in Ekiti state.
Dr Oyebanji said that the HPV exercise, which she flagged off in the state in May 2025, was a great success, noting that the exercise reached targeted communities and protected children against cervical cancer.
The Wife of the Governor explained that the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine was a very crucial step towards protecting Ekiti children, particularly the target age group of 9-14 years, from these diseases.
Dr Oyebanji also called on all women in the state to regularly scan their breasts with the Mammography machine at the Ekiti State University Teaching, Ado-Ekiti noting that the process at the hospital was very affordable and accessible
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, noted that the Measles-Rubella vaccines would be rolled out nationally in October 2025, saying that the state was taking proactive steps to sensitise residents of the state before the date to ensure adequate awareness on the vaccines by citizens.
Dr Filani charged stakeholders at the event to serve as champions of the vaccination campaigns calling on parents and guardians to ensure that their children are properly immunised against the deadly diseases.
In their goodwill messages, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, a former Commissioner for Information Mrs Ronke Okusanya, Chairman State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Funke Ogunbunmi, State Coordinator WHO Pharm. Akeem Busari and Representative of the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solution (C-WINS) Dr Dele Ojo said that immunization was one of the most impactful public health interventions, adding that the addition of Rubella and measles vaccines marks a significant milestone in the fight against preventable diseases.
They urged stakeholders to embrace the initiative to ensure that no life is taken through any preventable illnesses and ensure that Ekiti continues to set shining examples in public health.
Other dignitaries at the event include Permanent Secretaries Ministries Health and Women Affairs Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun and Mrs Tayo Olatilu respectively, Executive Secretary SPHCDA, Dr Rasheed Adepoju, CAN President Ekiti state Chapter, Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye, Grand Imam Southwest, Edo and Delta Alhaji Jamiu Keulere, Wife of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Eyesoru. Abosede Adejugbe and other prominent Oloris, Local Government Chairpersons amongst others
Participants at the mobilization meeting also include health development partners, medical and health professionals, Political leaders from the grassroots, Women’s Associations and Leaders, and Nursing mothers, amongst others.
