EDWARD OSEGHE
In preparation for the forthcoming Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in Edo State, officials from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other development partners on Monday, June 16, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia.
The high-level delegation, led by Mr. Justice Igbokwe of the NPHCDA, included Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Mrs. Elfrida Omogun, the State Immunization Officer, and Mrs. Irene Uabor, Health Education Officer at EDSPHCDA, among others.
The visit, held at the agency’s headquarters in Ezoti, Benin City, was aimed at introducing the team to the Executive Secretary and discussing strategies for the successful rollout of the MR vaccination campaign, which is scheduled to begin in Edo State in January 2026.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Igbokwe revealed that the nationwide MR vaccination campaign is set to commence between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. He noted that Edo State has been placed in the second phase of the exercise, slated for Q1 2026.
The campaign targets children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years, with the aim of reducing the incidence of measles and rubella across the country. Upon completion of the campaign, the MR vaccine will be incorporated into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule.
As part of preliminary activities, three Local Government Areas—Egor, Igueben, and Owan East—have been selected for a rapid assessment survey. The survey is designed to raise awareness, foster community sensitization, and gather insight into public perceptions of measles, rubella, and immunization in general.
Responding to the delegation, Dr. Osoikhia lauded the NPHCDA, UNICEF, and other partners for their commitment to improving child health in Edo State. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts being made to ensure the campaign’s success.
“I commend the tireless work of our partners and reaffirm the state’s commitment to this crucial initiative.
“The support of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okphebholo, who has shown unwavering dedication to child health and immunization, has been instrumental,” Dr. Osoikhia stated.
He assured the visiting team of EDSPHCDA’s readiness to provide full support during the assessment and vaccination phases.
To ensure effective coordination, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Omogun, and Health Education Officer, Mrs. Uabor, were appointed as State Supervisors for the survey. At the local level, Health Education Officers and Local Immunization Officers in the three selected LGAs will serve as LGA Supervisors.
Training for enumerators commenced on June 17, while fieldwork for the rapid assessment survey was conducted from June 18 to 20, 2025.
