Ogun State government has sought the support of relevant stakeholders for the successful mobilisation and implementation of the upcoming Integrated Measles Campaign in the state on September 21 to 25, 2024, to significantly checkmate the disease.

 Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, made the call in Abeokuta, during the State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (S-SOMTEC) meeting, organised by his Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Adesina stated that the campaign was part of the state government’s efforts in partnering with donor agencies, to safeguard children’s health through vaccine-preventable diseases, saying the well-being of mothers and survival of their children were important for securing the future of society. 

"Our goal as a government is to ensure that no mother or child, regardless of their socio-economic status, is left behind in our maternal and infant health interventions. This commitment aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals", he said.

In his presentation, UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change Consultant in the state, Dr. Pita Obam, said the target population for the 2024 Measles Campaign were children of nine months to five years, assuring that the vaccine was safe and effective for preventing measles.

He explained that measles is an acute viral respiratory illness that is highly contagious, which spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, with symptoms such as, skin rash, fever, runny nose and cough, adding that the disease could cause brain damage, blindness and death.

‘’The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one dose of the vaccine is approximately 93 percent effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97percent effective. This is why we are striving for extensive coverage during the integrated campaign’’, he said

Speaking earlier, Director of Information, Production Services in the Ministry, who doubles as the Programme Director, UINCEF-Assisted Programme, Mrs. Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, said S-SOMTEC platform, established through the collaborative efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry, had been instrumental in advancing improved health status of mother and child.

Responding, two of the participants, Alhaji Akolawole Shoremi and Ms. Kikelomo Seun, appreciated the organiser for the brainstorming meeting, promising to contribute their quota for the success of the campaign in the state.