Nigeria Gears Up for Nationwide Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
In a significant move to protect its citizens, especially children, from the devastating effects of measles and rubella, the Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged robust communication and advocacy support for the upcoming nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign. Scheduled for October 2025, this campaign aims to reach a target of 95% vaccination coverage, a crucial step in preventing the spread of these highly infectious diseases.
During a courtesy visit to his office by the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, assured the team of the Ministry’s readiness to champion public sensitization efforts. "You have come to the right place," the Minister said, "The Ministry of Information and National Orientation exists to support and amplify initiatives like this." He emphasized the need for Nigerians to be well-informed about the dangers of rubella and the importance of vaccination, particularly in light of the often-overlooked threat it poses to pregnant women and unborn children.
The C-WINS delegation, led by Project Lead Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje, presented a comprehensive overview of the life-saving importance of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, highlighting its safety and effectiveness in saving over 94 million lives worldwide. Dr. Mabogunje stressed the urgent need for public awareness, especially considering Nigeria’s current burden of nearly 20% of global measles cases, with the Northeast region bearing over 60% of the national burden. She also emphasized the risk of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which can result in babies being born blind, deaf, or with severe heart abnormalities if contracted in the first trimester.
Minister Idris described the presentation as "emotional and enlightening," acknowledging the devastating effects of rubella and the importance of preventing it. He encouraged the team to engage the National Assembly for broader legislative support, aiming for a continuous, impactful, and far-reaching partnership. "Prevention is better than cure, and this is one area where information truly saves lives," he said.
To combat misinformation and build public trust, Dr. Mabogunje urged the Ministry to lead a national communication effort, emphasizing the need for accurate, trusted, and consistent messaging delivered through channels that everyday Nigerians rely on. In response, the Honourable Minister directed the Ministry’s communication team to collaborate closely with C-WINS to co-create culturally sensitive campaign materials, which will be disseminated through both public and private media channels nationwide.
As Nigeria prepares for this critical vaccination campaign, the collaboration between the Federal Government and C-WINS marks a significant step towards protecting the health and well-being of its citizens. With a focus on public awareness, education, and advocacy, the campaign aims to make a lasting impact in preventing the spread of measles and rubella, ultimately saving lives and promoting a healthier future for generations to come.
