The Edo State Government through its Office of the First Lady has partnered stakeholders including the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization, amongst others, to organize a sensitization programme aimed at raising awareness about the upcoming measles-rubella vaccine rollout in January, 2026, as part of a broader national effort to drive widespread sensitization and encourage vaccine uptake in the State.
At the sensitization programme, which held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emphasized the importance of educating the public about the measles-rubella vaccine. She highlighted the need to address concerns, misconceptions and promote community engagement to ensure a successful vaccine rollout in January, 2026.
According to Mrs. Anani, “I have seen the pain of preventable diseases. Sometimes when I see children, I feel sad because it’s actually preventable. And I’ve also seen the transformative power of immunization. That is why I stand here today not just as a Public Servant, but as a mother with passion and an advocate for every child in our State, to make sure that no child is left behind.
”Let us remember that the measles-rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It is a simple act that can save lives and prevent lifelong complications. We must work together to ensure that no child is left behind. Let us debunk the myths surrounding this vaccine. It is important that we have a society where our children are healthy because they are the future.”
Mrs. Anani appreciated the place of community leaders, the press, and all relevant stakeholders, acknowledged their crucial role in amplifying the message of the measles-rubella vaccine, and said, “Our community leaders and influencers, your voices, they carry weight. Use them to dispel myths and encourage participation. And to every parent and child caregiver, you are a child’s future. Let us leave this meeting not only informed, but inspired. Let us go back to our communities with renewed energy and a clear message, Edo State is united in the fight against measles-rubella. Together, you and I, we will make a difference and build the new Edo of our dreams in line with His Excellency Distinguished Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda with health as a core mandate.”
She expressed gratitude to partners including healthcare workers for their dedication and resilience and acknowledged their crucial role in the measles-rubella vaccine campaign. She stressed the collective commitment of protecting children’s health and eliminating measles and rubella, which are preventable diseases that pose risks to vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, expressed gratitude to the Edo State Governor, Sen. Okpebholo, for his investments in the Health Sector, highlighting the transformation of Primary Health centres through the SHINE Agenda of making vaccines accessible and free. He emphasized the adverse impact of measles-rubella, advising that vaccination is key to prevention.
The State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr. Nora Eyo, appreciated the Governor for prioritizing children’s health. He submitted that measles-rubella is highly contagious, with serious consequences. She stressed the place of sensitization as key to public health success, building trust and ensuring community participation.
According to Dr. Eyo, “Sensitization remains one of the most critical components of any public health intervention, because it determines community trust, participation, and ultimately, the success of the campaign. We sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State for his commitment to strengthening the primary health care system, improving disease prevention efforts, and ensuring that the health of children remains a priority across all the local government areas.
”Measles-rubella remains highly contagious diseases, particularly affecting those not vaccinated. The complications of rubella could have serious consequences. If a pregnant woman gets infected, it can result in birth defects in the baby. Prevention through vaccination is the most effective strategy. This sensitization event is therefore essential to ensure that caregivers and indeed everyone, wherever they are, understand the importance of bringing children aged 9 months to 15 years to receive the measles rubella vaccine.”
The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Coulson Osoikhia expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anani for her commitment to women, children, and families, highlighting the importance of her presence at the sensitization programme in fostering trust among the people.
Dr. Coulson emphasized that measles-rubella continues to threaten unvaccinated children, with outbreaks occurring due to incomplete vaccination coverage. He added that the sensitization mission is to educate parents, caregivers, and healthcare workers on the vaccine’s importance and encourage participation in the campaign. According to him, measles can cause severe health issues, rubella is dangerous for pregnant women, and vaccination is the safest and most effective prevention method, with free and safe vaccines available at designated health facilities.
The programme featured a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Ayebo Sadoh on measles-rubella awareness, covering symptoms, transmission, and prevention. She maintained that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, stating that the measles-rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free.
