FG TO LAUNCH AFRICA’S LARGEST MEASLES AND RUBELLA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN ON OCTOBER 6
TARGETING 106 MILLION CHILDREN AGED 9 MONTHS TO 14 YEARS
In a bold step to protect millions of Nigerian children from preventable diseases, the Federal Government will on Monday, October 6, 2025, roll out Africa’s largest integrated health campaign. This historic initiative introduces the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule.
WHAT IS MEASLES?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily and causes fever, rash, cough, and red eyes. Without vaccination, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, blindness, and brain infection.
WHAT IS RUBELLA?
Rubella is another contagious viral infection that causes rash, fever, and swollen glands. The greatest danger is when rubella infects a pregnant woman—it can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), leading to irreversible birth defects or miscarriage.
PHASED CAMPAIGN COVERAGE
Phase one will target 63 million children aged 9 months to under 15 years while phase two will cover 43 million children in the remaining states. The goal is 95 percent vaccination coverage to stop transmission and reach children who have never received a vaccine—especially in northern Nigeria.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
The campaign will not only deliver measles-rubella vaccines but also strengthen routine immunization for children 0–23 months, provide HPV vaccines for adolescent girls aged 9 years, offer second-year-of-life vaccinations, and integrate polio vaccines for children under 5 years.
WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING
Dr. Muyi Aina (NPHCDA): “This campaign is a landmark under the Renewed Hope Agenda—a model for all future campaigns in Africa.”
Dr. Shaikh Kabir (UNICEF): “This is one of the biggest public health interventions in history. Nigerian children will be protected from measles, rubella, and polio.”
Dr. Baffa Ibrahim (AFENET): “Rubella during pregnancy can cause irreversible congenital defects. The MR vaccine protects both mothers and babies.”
Dr. Izuchukwu Frank Obi (Non-Polio SIAs Consultant): “Vaccines remain necessary beyond the first year of life. Parents must ensure children are fully immunized.”
WHERE TO GET VACCINATED
Vaccines will be available at schools, markets, worship centers, and community hubs. Note: There will be no house-to-house campaigns due to high costs.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Nigeria contributes significantly to global cases of measles, rubella, and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVPV2). This campaign is a turning point to protect future generations, reduce childhood disability, and save lives.
Your child’s health is priceless. Vaccination is the shield against preventable diseases. Together, let’s achieve zero tolerance for measles and rubella in Nigeria.
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