Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the 2026 African Vaccination Week, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening immunisation coverage and safeguarding public health across the state.
The event, held on Monday at Igbara-Oke Basic Health Centre in Ifedore Local Government area, underscored the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and saving lives, in line with this year’s theme, “For every generation, vaccines work.”
He noted that his administration has sustained efforts to strengthen immunisation coverage and safeguard public health.
While emphasising the theme for this year’s campaign, “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work,” the governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, highlighted the enduring importance of vaccination in preventing diseases and saving lives across all age groups.
According to him, the theme of the week-long event, which takes place between April 24 and 30, reflects decades of scientific progress, dating back to the use of cowpox to protect against smallpox—a breakthrough that ultimately led to the global eradication of smallpox in 1977.
He added that vaccines remain one of the most effective public health tools, significantly reducing childhood mortality and preventing life-threatening illnesses.
Odimayo revealed that Ondo State has emerged as a national leader in reducing neonatal deaths, noting that this achievement is largely attributed to sustained immunisation programmes and improved healthcare delivery.
He said his administration has prioritised healthcare infrastructure, particularly in ensuring the effectiveness of vaccine storage and distribution systems.
The aide also highlighted the state’s robust cold chain system, which maintains vaccines at optimal temperatures around the clock to ensure their potency and reliability.
He commended the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) for aligning with the government’s vision and ensuring that immunisation services reach communities effectively.
Odimayo added that the government has embarked on a wide-ranging revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities, stating that over 105 primary health centres across the state have undergone upgrades.
These include improved infrastructure such as secure fencing, gatehouses, solar-powered lighting, and residential accommodations for healthcare workers.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, lauded development partners for their support in improving the sector.
He explained that there are various vaccines for children, noting that immunisation is key to preventing killer childhood diseases.
He called on mothers to make their eligible children available for vaccination and to spread the message to others in their communities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adiji, sensitised mothers on the need to embrace immunisation, noting that the state has vaccines to prevent all major childhood diseases and guarantee a healthy future for children.
He also urged mothers to embrace family planning to ensure adequate care for their children.
The representative of the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Ibrahim Adebayo, explained that the theme highlights the fact that vaccines save 1.8 million lives annually across Africa.
“While 500 million children have been protected since 2000, about 6.7 million children in the region remain unvaccinated, prompting the need to strengthen immunisation systems,” he said.
He added that immunisation is crucial at all stages of life, including the use of new HPV vaccines for adolescents and maternal vaccines.
According to him, WHO reports that about 9.5 million children in Africa remain under-immunised due to poverty and conflict.
He explained that in Nigeria, efforts continue to focus on strengthening immunisation by closing immunity gaps through integrated campaigns against polio and measles.
Adebayo reiterated that vaccines are credited with saving 1.8 million lives annually in Africa, with over 500 million children vaccinated since 2000