EDWARD OSEGHE
The Edo State Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group to coordinate the state’s Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and reducing child mortality to the barest minimum.
Speaking at the event on Friday, August 8, in Benin City, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, described the initiative as a reflection of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s resolve, alongside development partners and other stakeholders, to strengthen public health and protect children across the state.
“This is not just another routine activity.
“It is a coordinated effort to rid our communities of vaccine-preventable diseases and safeguard the future of our children,” Dr. Oshiomhole said.
The inauguration, organised by the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), was officiated by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo. She noted that adopting the Measles-Rubella vaccine represents an investment in the well-being of future generations.
“By embracing this vaccine, we are not only protecting today’s children but securing healthier beginnings for generations to come,” Mrs. Okpebholo said, adding that maternal and child health remains central to Governor Okpebholo’s development agenda. She commended partners and stakeholders for their dedication, urging them to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage vaccine acceptance among parents and caregivers.
The Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, underscored the cost-effectiveness of vaccination as a public health intervention.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine provides dual protection against two diseases that pose serious threats to child health,” he said, stressing the state’s collaborative approach with development partners to improve health outcomes.
Also speaking, EDSPHCDA Director and facilitator at the event, Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, presented an overview of measles and rubella, highlighting the importance of early sensitization ahead of the vaccine’s introduction in 2026.
In his remarks, a representative of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. Muktar Abdullahi, assured the public of the vaccine’s safety, urging parents to embrace immunization as a lifesaving measure.
