Lagos State Health District III has intensified stakeholder engagement to ensure a smooth rollout of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine across Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Eti-Osa Local Government Areas ahead of its official launch on January 27, 2026.
Eko Hot News reports that the high-level meetings were convened by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District III, Dr Monsurat Adeleke, and brought together local government officials, health facility heads, disease surveillance officers, traditional and community leaders, development partners, and relevant agencies.
Dr Adeleke described the introduction of the MR vaccine as a major milestone in Lagos State’s efforts to reduce childhood illnesses and strengthen preventive healthcare through improved immunisation coverage.
She noted that measles and rubella remain leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality, stressing that the combined vaccine would significantly reduce preventable deaths and long-term complications.
According to her, community ownership and collaboration are critical to the success of the exercise, urging stakeholders to work collectively to ensure every eligible child is reached without exclusion.
Discussions during the Ibeju-Lekki engagement focused on MAMI, the community-based component of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response framework, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Dr Adeleke also highlighted collaboration with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), which provides emergency transport support for pregnant women in hard-to-reach communities.
Across the three LGAs, stakeholders examined micro-planning, logistics, cold-chain management, community sensitisation, data reporting, and demand creation for effective vaccine delivery.
She appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers to counter misinformation and promote confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the MR vaccine.
Stakeholders unanimously pledged support for the vaccine introduction, reaffirming their commitment to grassroots advocacy, surveillance systems, and emergency response networks across the district.
