The Federal Government has commenced a large-scale, integrated vaccination exercise designed to bridge immunity gaps and safeguard millions of Nigerian children from preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and other infections.
The launch took place shortly after President Bola Tinubu’s return to Abuja from a 10-day working trip to Lagos, where he held meetings with investors, participated in national events, and carried out various official duties across several states.
At the national flag-off held yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, described the initiative as an unprecedented and comprehensive health effort.
According to Aina, the campaign aims to reach approximately 16 million children between the ages of 0 and 14 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The programme combines measles and polio immunizations with other essential health services and will be rolled out in two stages.
The first phase, beginning immediately, covers 19 northern states, the FCT, as well as Oyo and Osun states. The second phase is scheduled to take place between January and February 2026 in the remaining southern states.
In addition to vaccinations, the campaign incorporates seasonal malaria prevention and interventions against neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, particularly in high-burden states like Kano and Oyo.
Aina revealed that all states and the FCT have recorded measles cases this year, totaling more than 10,000 infections and 76 deaths — figures he said must be urgently addressed.
At the launch event held in the State House Banquet Hall, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, formally unveiled the National Measles-Rubella Integrated Immunization Campaign, calling it a decisive step toward improving child health and survival.
“This campaign represents our collective commitment to protect every Nigerian child,” Mrs. Tinubu said. “With these vaccines, we are giving our children a stronger start in life — one free from diseases that threaten their future.”
She emphasized the dangers of measles, which can lead to blindness, disability, or death, and warned that rubella, though often mild, poses serious risks to unborn babies if contracted during pregnancy. She called on parents, traditional rulers, and faith leaders to support the campaign and ensure no child is missed.
During his recent stay in Lagos, President Tinubu also met with leading investors, including Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Mr. Hakeem Belo-Osagie, Chairman of Metis Capital Partners, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic partnerships and attract investment into key sectors.
