Nigeria Launches Vaccination Of 106 Million Children Against Measles, Rubella, Polio

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, launched Africa’s largest integrated immunization campaign in Abuja in a bid to end vaccine-preventable diseases threatening millions of children.

Mrs Tinubu inaugurated the National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign described as “a bold step towards protecting the lives and future of our children.”

It aims to protect around 106 million children against measles, rubella and poliomyelitis

She said, “We are here today (Monday) to flag off a solution, a pathway to hope, and a promise of progress. With this vaccine, our children will be protected against two deadly diseases and enjoy a lifetime of safety and protection.”

She identified devastating consequences of measles to include blindness, disability and death. She cautioned that rubella, though often silent, can also cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

The first lady called on parents, community leaders, religious and traditional rulers to work together to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.

She noted that the vaccines are safe, effective and free.

“They are one of the greatest gifts of modern medicine. They save lives, prevent disease, and give our children the chance to grow, learn and thrive,” said Mrs Tinubu, who pledged sustained advocacy through state first ladies, women’s groups, and community leaders.

Mrs. Tinubu commended the Ministry of Health under Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi and the Gates Foundation, for their support.

In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, commended the first lady for her untiring and steadfastness towards attending to the health needs of Nigerians across the country. He also stressed that President Tinubu is using health as an instrument to unify and inspire the country.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who was represented by Deputy Director, Peter Ojonuba, described the drive as both a health and education investment, noting that, “A healthy child is a teachable child.”

He further pledged that schools would be mobilized as hubs for vaccine awareness and delivery, warning administrators against obstructing vaccinators.

The Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, described the campaign as the largest integrated immunization initiative in Africa, pledging $103 million in support.

Gavi’s Senior Programme Manager for Nigeria, Tarcile Mballa, hailed the initiative as “a historic milestone and a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in public health,” noting the alliance’s investment of over $2.6 billion in Nigeria’s immunization efforts over two decades.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s vaccination goals.

The Deputy Director for Immunization and Disease Control, Yusuf Yusufari, commended Nigeria’s resilience, citing the rise in routine immunization coverage from 33 per cent in 2016 to over 60 per cent today and the country’s 2020 wild poliovirus-free certification.

However, he cautioned that over two million Nigerian children remain “zero-dose”, completely unvaccinated, the second-highest figure globally, fueling measles outbreaks and circulating variant poliovirus type 2.

He further called for urgent action to close this gap through innovation and community outreach.

The 2025 campaign targets 16 million children aged 0-14 across the 36 states and the FCT. In 21 states, children will receive both measles-rubella and polio vaccines in a single visit, while four states will also benefit from mosquito nets, deworming tablets, and treatment for neglected tropical diseases.