The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have stepped up efforts in the ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign to ensure that no child is left unprotected. The joint monitoring team, led by NPHCDA Director-General, Dr. Muyi Aina, and FCTA Health Services Mandate Secretary, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, visited several Primary Health Centres across states to assess coverage, data accuracy, and workforce performance.
Federal and State Health Officials Assess Vaccination Campaign Progress
The inspection team visited Chikora North PHC in Kogi State and New Township PHC in Abaji, Abuja, engaging mothers and caregivers on the importance of immunisation. They encouraged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and properly finger-marked as proof.
Dr. Aina commended the commitment of health workers, urging them to “maintain honesty and accuracy in data reporting,” stressing that credible data is essential for sustainable planning.
He said the monitoring exercise was designed to track vaccination coverage and workforce dedication, particularly in hard-to-reach communities, ensuring that every eligible child receives protection.
Renewed Hope Health Reform to Tackle Health Sector Challenges
Dr. Aina assured health workers that the Federal Government is aware of their challenges and is addressing them through the Renewed Hope Health Reform Agenda, which aims to deliver fair and efficient healthcare services nationwide.
At the Abaji PHC, Dr. Fasawe personally administered vaccines to infants and sensitised mothers on the dangers of missing routine immunisation. “Unvaccinated children remain at high risk of contracting measles and rubella, diseases that can cause blindness, brain damage, hearing loss, or death,” she warned.
Both officials commended the turnout of caregivers and urged vaccination teams to remain diligent and follow safety standards.
Measles and Rubella: Deadly Yet Preventable Diseases
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles remains a leading cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of safe vaccines. Rubella, also called German measles, is a viral infection that can cause severe congenital defects when contracted during pregnancy.
WHO data shows a 255% rise in measles cases in the Western Pacific between 2022 and 2023, attributed to weak disease surveillance and gaps in vaccination coverage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ongoing National Immunisation Drive Targets 106 Million Children
The Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign, launched by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6, is ongoing across 19 northern states and Oyo State until October 15. The national initiative targets 106 million Nigerian children for immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, rubella, polio, and HPV.
Dr. Garuba Rufai, NPHCDA Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, said, “This campaign is part of a nationwide effort to protect children aged zero to 14 years and girls aged nine to 14 years against deadly diseases.”
He explained that the programme integrates multiple health interventions, including malaria prevention and the management of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Community Sensitisation and Partnership Drive
The health agency has intensified community mobilisation, engaging teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and local government officials to spread awareness. “We are using public announcement vans and social mobilisation teams to reach every eligible child,” Dr. Rufai said.
He urged parents and caregivers to “come out en masse and get their children vaccinated,” warning that diseases like measles do not discriminate by tribe or religion.
The WHO FCT Coordinator, Dr. Kumshida Balami, added, “We cannot still have children suffering from preventable diseases like measles, polio, or cervical cancer in this century.”
Nigeria’s Measles-Rubella Campaign Strengthens Health Partnerships
The ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Nigeria reflects a renewed commitment by both federal and state health authorities to protect children and strengthen primary healthcare. Through collaboration among the NPHCDA, FCTA, and development partners, the initiative underscores Nigeria’s resolve to achieve improved health outcomes and end preventable child deaths.
By ensuring that every eligible child receives the measles-rubella vaccine, Nigeria moves closer to building a healthier, safer future for its next generation.
