31/01/2026
On Wednesday, I had the honour of attending the Measles–Rubella vaccine flag-off here in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area with our Vice Chairman, and honestly, it was such an eye-opening and important experience.
This campaign is all about protecting our children from measles and rubella, two very serious but completely preventable childhood diseases. The Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine helps build strong immunity in children and protects them from complications that can affect them for life.
For our mothers and caregivers, this vaccine is for children from 9 months up to 14 years. Even if your child looks healthy, even if they’ve taken other vaccines before, this one is still very important. It gives added protection and helps stop the spread of these diseases in our communities.
Measles is not just a normal rash or fever. It can lead to pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, blindness, brain damage, and sadly, even death in some cases.
Rubella, on the other hand, may seem mild in children, but it is extremely dangerous when a woman gets infected during pregnancy. It can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects like heart problems, hearing loss, and developmental challenges in babies.
One major disadvantage of not taking this vaccine is that it leaves children vulnerable. When many children are not vaccinated, outbreaks happen faster, and the most at-risk children suffer the most. Vaccination doesn’t just protect one child , it protects every child.
The beautiful thing about this ongoing Measles–Rubella campaign is that the vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It has been approved by health authorities and is being administered by trained healthcare workers across health centres and outreach points.
As a mother, an educator, and a mental health advocate, this means a lot to me. Healthy children grow into confident, thriving adults, and prevention will always be better than cure.
So I’m encouraging every parent, guardian, and caregiver in Amuwo Odofin and in all other Nigerian states, please take your children aged 9 months to 14 years to get the Measles–Rubella vaccine.
Let’s protect our children and families.