Oyo Flags Off Integrated Immunization Campaign

The Oyo State Government has officially flagged off the Integrated Measles-Rubella, nOPV2, HPV, Routine Immunization, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Campaign, with a renewed call to parents and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child receives all life-saving vaccines.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Thursday, brought together top government officials, development partners, health workers, traditional leaders, and community representatives in a unified effort to safeguard the health of children across the State.

First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde,  represented by the Chairman, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, reaffirmed the State’s dedication to child health and appealed to parents to embrace all forms of immunization for their children.

“This campaign is about giving our children a fair chance at life.

I urge every parents, caregivers, and guardians to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines, including this current round that begins here in Oyo State,” she said.

She noted that the campaign’s commencement in Oyo State underscores the Government’s proactive stance on healthcare and its commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected from vaccines preventable diseases.

In her goodwill message, UNICEF  Health Specialist, Lagos Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, commended the Oyo State Government for its leadership and unwavering commitment to child survival and development.

Dr. Agbo described the integrated campaign as a “powerful statement” that places the health of children at the center of the State’s development agenda.

“By combining measles, rubella, polio, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, Routine Immunization, and NTD interventions, Oyo State is demonstrating coordination and efficiency that will save more lives and reach more families,” she stated.

She emphasized UNICEF’s continued partnership with Oyo State Government through support for vaccine logistics, cold chain management, waste disposal, social and behavior change communication (SBCC).

“Beyond providing vaccines, we must ensure that communities understand, trust, and embrace these life-saving interventions. Every child protected today is an investment in the peace and prosperity of our tomorrow,” Dr. Agbo added.

Also in her goodwill message, The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi,  who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, said the campaign aims to reach every eligible child aged 9 months to 59 months with the measles-rubella vaccine.

He explained that the integrated campaign will also deliver Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and health education to strengthen routine immunization and promote holistic child health.

“No child in Oyo State should be left behind. We are taking vaccination to schools, markets, churches, mosques, and other community centers. This is a collective responsibility that requires all hands on deck,” he said.

Dr. Ayinde appreciated the support of UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, and other partners for their technical and financial assistance, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in improving vaccine coverage and child health outcomes in Oyo State.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to continue mobilizing citizens and dispelling misinformation about vaccination.

“Even if a child has been vaccinated before, there is no harm in receiving it again. Let us all work together to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he urged.

The integrated immunization campaign is part of efforts by the Oyo State Government and partners to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that every child in the State enjoys a healthy start to life.