…Targets Elimination of Measles in Nigeria by 2030
By Frontline Reporters
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide mass immunisation campaign aimed at protecting over 16 million Nigerian children from measles, polio, HPV, and other life-threatening diseases.
The campaign, which was officially flagged off on Monday at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, marks one of Nigeria’s most ambitious health interventions in recent years.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the integrated vaccination campaign is part of a renewed national strategy to eliminate measles by 2030.
He explained that the government will strengthen routine immunisation systems, enhance disease surveillance, and integrate measles and rubella initiatives into primary health care services nationwide.
“This campaign represents our collective commitment to protecting every Nigerian child from preventable diseases. No child should die from illnesses we can stop with vaccines,” the minister said.
The programme targets children aged nine months to 14 years with the Measles-Rubella vaccine, alongside other life-saving shots and neglected tropical disease interventions.
The event drew the participation of top traditional and religious leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
Also in attendance were representatives of international development partners and donor agencies, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s drive to achieve universal immunisation coverage.
According to the Ministry of Health, the campaign is designed not only to reduce child mortality but also to strengthen community trust in vaccination, enhance outbreak response capacity, and promote the adoption of innovative health technologies.
Health experts say if fully implemented, the initiative could bring Nigeria closer to ending vaccine-preventable diseases and securing a healthier future for its next generation.
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