By Iyemah David
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has announced plans to introduce the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV), into Nigeria’s immunisation as part of what it tagged “Mother of All Campaigns.”
The immunisation agency said that it was an integrated nationwide health drive targeting more than 106 million Nigerians aged 0 to 14 years in October.
Director of Advocacy and Communications, NPHCDA, Dr Ladan Aliyu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, during a Media Orientation on the Integrated Campaign.
He said that measles and rubella spread rapidly but can be prevented with a simple vaccine.
“A single measles and rubella vaccine dose gives lasting protection, saves lives and builds a healthier community. Vaccinate your child today,” he said.
Dr Aliyu said that the upcoming campaign would integrate measles-rubella, polio, nutrition, HPV, routine immunisation, malaria prevention and efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
He described the media as critical partners in ensuring the success of the campaign.
“The media remain critical partners in creating awareness, educating caregivers, dispelling misinformation and mobilising communities to ensure Nigeria reaches the 95 per cent measles vaccination coverage needed for herd immunity,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Frank Obi, Consultant Community Health Physician and Epidemiologist, explained that Nigeria is aligning its measles elimination plan with global strategies by integrating vaccination and disease control efforts.
He noted that instead of separate campaigns, the new approach would combine interventions for stronger outcomes.
Dr Obi highlighted Nigeria’s burden of zero-dose children, those who have never received a single vaccine, stressing that the campaign aims to reduce the figure by at least 15 per cent.
“Nigeria remains the headquarters of zero-dose children, especially for measles. Strengthening routine immunisation is the backbone of disease control. Without 95 per cent coverage, outbreaks will continue to spread,” he warned.
He added that while 85 per cent of children respond to the first measles dose given at nine months, a second dose at 15 months is crucial to achieve full protection.
Currently, he said that only 51 per cent of Nigerian children receive the first dose and just 30 per cent receive the second, leaving millions unprotected.
The October campaign will mobilise health workers, community leaders and the media nationwide to boost coverage and close immunity gaps.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, brain inflammation and death, especially in children under five and vaccination is the only effective prevention.
Rubella, also called German measles, is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild in children and adults. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain.
The greatest risk is when pregnant women get infected, especially in the first trimester. It can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in babies, leading to deafness, heart defects, intellectual disabilities and blindness.
The rubella vaccine prevents infection and protects future generations.
The Measles-Rubella vaccine protects against both measles and rubella in a single shot. It is safe, effective and recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Adding MRV to Nigeria’s immunisation schedule will save thousands of children’s lives and prevent birth defects linked to rubella.
