The Edo State Government through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) with support from partners has officially flagged off the Measles–Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign for children aged 9 months to 14 years.
The campaign was flagged off on Monday, January 26, 2026, by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Edesili Okphebholo Anani, at Urhokpota Hall, Oredo Local Government Area.
Addressing stakeholders, Mrs. Edesili Okphebholo Anani praised the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okphebholo for strengthening the cold chain system, ensuring that vaccines remain safe and effective.
She made the call to parents not to allow fear or misinformation stop them from taking their children to receive Measles-Rubella vaccination.
Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, described children as the future of Edo State and stressed the need to protect them from Measles–Rubella and other vaccine-preventable diseases to ensure healthy growth and development.
Adding to the discourse, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA Dr Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia stated “it is our responsibility to kick out Measles-Rubella out of our state by ensuring our children are vaccinated,” starting from 27th January to 7th February 2026, children aged 9 months to 14 years will be vaccinated across the 18 LGAs in Edo State to protect them against Measles-Rubella,”
During his welcome address, the Acting Chairman of Oredo LGA, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting primary healthcare programmes and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the community. He called on all stakeholders to work together for the success of the campaign.
In his goodwill message, Edo State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mr. Osawe Lawani reaffirmed NPHCDA ‘s support in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.
Speaking on behalf of Implementing partners in Edo, the WHO State Coordinator Dr. Nora Eyo explained that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, free, highly effective, and globally approved.
She added that health workers across the 18 LGAs have been trained and the cold chain system strengthened to ensure every child receives potent and safe vaccines.
It is important to note that vaccinators will be visiting schools, mosques, churches and public places from 27th January to 7th February 2026, to vaccinate eligible children aged 9 months to 14 years against Measles-Rubella. Parents and caregivers can also visit any primary healthcare centres closest to them to ensure their children are immunized.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Chairman of the EDSPHCDA Board, Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi, who appreciated all stakeholders for their support and commitment. He emphasized Edo State’s goal of achieving 95% coverage to ensure herd immunity and protect every child.
Dignitaries present at the event included EDSPHCDA BOARD Chairman Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi and other members of the Board of Directors, Commissioners and Heads of MDAs, the Chairman of Oredo LGA, Hon. Engr Gabriel Iduseri, Vice Chairman Hon. Joseph Oko, the Medical Officer of Health for Oredo, Dr. Obasogie Mavelson, representatives of NPHCDA, EDSPHCDA Directors and staff, implementing partners (WHO, UNICEF, C-WINS, JSI, IVAC, CMS), MWAN, Institute of Child Health UBTH and other health professionals, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, media, teachers, school aged children as well as representatives of various groups and associations among others.
