KEY POINTS
- Nasarawa targets 1.3 million children for measles-rubella vaccination.
- The 10-day campaign integrates measles, rubella, and polio vaccines.
- UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi are backing the initiative.
Nasarawa State will vaccinate more than 1.3 million children against measles and rubella in a new campaign to curb preventable childhood diseases.
The state primary healthcare agency said the 10-day exercise, which begins October 6, will cover all 13 local government areas, targeting children aged nine months to 14 years.
Nasarawa launches integrated vaccination campaign
State Health Educator Ishaya Amegwa said the initiative combines measles-rubella and polio vaccines into a single campaign to simplify access and expand coverage.
“This exercise will protect over 1.37 million children and also move us closer to eliminating measles and rubella by 2030,” Amegwa said at a media dialogue in Lafia.
He added that the vaccines were safe, effective, and free, urging parents to ensure no child is left out during the campaign.
UNICEF backs Nasarawa vaccination drive
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Health Specialist, Dr. Luqman Ahmed, said the state would launch the campaign in Akwanga on October 7. He called on community, religious, and traditional leaders to intensify advocacy for full participation.
“Our collective action is needed to end polio by 2025,” Ahmed said, noting that Nigeria still has one of the world’s highest numbers of zero-dose children.
He said the measles-rubella vaccine would prevent lifelong complications, such as congenital rubella syndrome, while the integrated approach strengthens Nigeria’s immunisation goals.
Health agency intensifies public awareness efforts
Abubakar Ibrahim, representing the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, said officials had mobilised various stakeholders to raise public awareness about the vaccines.
“The involvement of the media and local leaders is crucial to this effort,” he said. “We are grateful to UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi for their consistent support.”
Public health experts at the event further reiterated that the vaccines have been certified by the World Health Organisation and Nigeria’s NAFDAC, dispelling fears over safety.
The campaign in Nasarawa mirrors UNICEF’s similar plan to immunise 7.8 million children in Kano later this month, further aligning with the national drive to eliminate preventable diseases.
