By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State Branch, has deployed 5,346 trained volunteers across the state to boost awareness and demand ahead of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination exercise, which begins on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The large-scale mobilisation marks the launch of an intensive house-to-house Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) campaign aimed at ensuring that no eligible child is left unvaccinated against the highly contagious but preventable diseases.

The intervention, funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Red Cross, is being implemented in partnership with government health authorities to strengthen vaccine uptake and address hesitancy.

Following week-long training across the 20 local government areas of the state, volunteers were equipped with communication skills, ethical guidelines, and key vaccination messages. Each volunteer is expected to reach at least 50 households daily.

The campaign will run for 12 days, covering pre-, intra- and post-vaccination mobilisation, including mop-up operations to reach missed children.

Speaking during monitoring visits, the Lagos State Branch Secretary, Mr. Olakunle Lasisi, expressed confidence in the success of the campaign, noting that volunteers are well-prepared to engage families and address concerns. Similarly, the Branch Chairman, Dr. Victoria Adebola Kolawole, commended the dedication of volunteers, describing them as trusted voices in their communities.

The NRCS National Headquarters representative, Dr. Ahmad Abdul Majid, described the Lagos intervention as a model for community-led vaccination support, stressing that the MR vaccine is safe, effective and vital for child health.