LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- In a bold step to protect millions of children from life-threatening but preventable diseases, Nigeria has launched a massive vaccination campaign aiming to immunize over 106 million children against measles, rubella, polio, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
The campaign, which began in October 2025 will run through February 2026.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with state governments and international partners, is spearheading an aggressive immunization campaign to shield Nigerian children from deadly but preventable illnesses.
The nationwide campaign is being rolled out in phases, with the first targeting 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Children aged 0–14 years are receiving measles-rubella and polio vaccines, while girls aged 9–14 are also getting protected against HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer.
The initiative includes routine immunizations and is integrated with other public health programs, such as malaria prevention and the management of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Speaking during a health awareness walk in Abuja, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at NPHCDA, Dr. Garuba Rufai, stressed the campaign’s importance.
“We are deploying extensive social mobilization, from public announcements to community engagement with teachers, religious leaders, and parents, to ensure no child is left behind,” he said.
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The campaign’s visibility is bolstered by road walks and on-site sensitization efforts led by state governments and prominent figures, including the wives of governors and local government officials.
On October 6, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially flagged off the measles-rubella phase of the campaign, describing it as a milestone in safeguarding Nigeria’s children.
According to Dr. Rufai, the next phase will expand to more states starting October 18, with further phases continuing into January and February 2026, aiming to reach the full target of 106 million children nationwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed strong support for the campaign.
Also, WHO Coordinator for the FCT, Dr. Kumshida Balami, urged parents to act swiftly, saying, “Vaccines are safe and effective. We cannot afford to let diseases like measles or polio continue to threaten our children’s lives in this century.”
In a joint field monitoring effort, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, and FCT Health Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, visited primary health centres in Kogi and Abuja to assess progress. They emphasized data accuracy, community sensitization, and workforce dedication in hard-to-reach areas.
Notably, Dr. Aina highlighted that while logistics and staffing challenges remain, the Federal Government is working to address them through the Renewed Hope Health Reform Agenda, aimed at delivering equitable healthcare to all Nigerians.
At one of the campaign stops, Dr. Fasawe personally administered vaccines to infants and reminded mothers of the devastating consequences of diseases like measles and rubella, which can cause blindness, brain damage, congenital defects, or death.
With millions of children still at risk, health officials are urging parents and caregivers to visit the nearest health facility and ensure their children receive life-saving vaccines.
“Vaccines protect not just your child, but your entire community. Let’s give every Nigerian child the chance to live a healthy, full life,” said Dr. Aina advised.
