ABUJA, Oct 6 (The African Portal) – Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday launched what health officials described as Africa’s largest integrated vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting millions of children against measles, rubella and other preventable diseases.
The campaign, officially titled the National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign, marks a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to boost child immunisation and prevent future outbreaks, officials said.
“We are here today to flag off a solution, a pathway to hope, and a promise of progress,” Mrs Tinubu said at the launch in Abuja. “With this vaccine, our children will be protected against two deadly diseases and enjoy a lifetime of safety and protection.”
The First Lady urged parents, community leaders and traditional rulers to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated, stressing that the vaccines are “safe, effective and free.” She pledged sustained advocacy through state First Ladies and community groups to reach every eligible child.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the government is using health as a tool to unify the country and praised the First Lady for her leadership on health issues.
The campaign targets 16 million children aged 0–14 years across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 21 states, children will receive both measles-rubella and polio vaccines in a single visit, while four states will also receive mosquito nets, deworming tablets and treatment for neglected tropical diseases.
Development partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are supporting the drive. Gavi has pledged $103 million for the effort, describing it as the largest integrated immunisation initiative in Africa.
“This is a historic milestone and a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in public health,” said Gavi Senior Programme Manager Tarcile Mballa, noting that the alliance has invested more than $2.6 billion in Nigeria’s immunisation efforts over the past two decades.
Nigeria’s routine immunisation coverage has risen from 33% in 2016 to more than 60% today, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). But officials warn that more than two million Nigerian children remain completely unvaccinated – the second-highest number globally – fuelling measles outbreaks and variant poliovirus transmission.
“This campaign is the mother of all campaigns,” NPHCDA Executive Director Muyi Aina said, citing over 10,000 measles cases and 76 related deaths reported so far this year.
Traditional and religious leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, attended the launch.
