In continuation of the ongoing measles vaccination programme in Ogun State, parents, guardians and caregivers have been admonished to avail their children and wards for the vaccination, in order to prevent measles and other related diseases.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who made the appeal while featuring on a radio programme in Abeokuta, described measles as a highly contagious, airborne disease which should be prevented early through vaccination, stating that, "when you are vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but also protecting your community and the ability to transfer the virus to someone else becomes diminished".

Dr. Coker informed that the programme had become a biennial exercise with the last carried out in 2022, where 117 cases were identified in the state, while it dropped to 29 in 2024, indicating a drastic reduction in the number of cases of the disease, disclosing that government had targeted to cover 95 percent children during the process.

"Measles affects the growing brain of a child; if a child is not vaccinated and ended up having measles, it can lead to convulsion, blindness, deafness and can also deprive the child of actually attaining his full potential in contributing positively to the economic growth of the community, family and the nation", she said.

She hinted that the Federal Ministry of Health had commenced manufacturing of vaccines and drugs in the country, to make Nigeria independent and autonomous in vaccine and drug production.

The Commissioner, accompanied by the Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, thereafter made an on-the-spot assessment of vaccination centres at some religious houses in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, where she vaccinated some children.

A cleric, Alhaji Abdul-Kabir Bakare, at one of the religious centres designated for the vaccination, Allahu Muheeb Islamic Movement, Quarry Road, Abeokuta, lauded the initiative, pledging support to the cause of children’s health.