The World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded the launch of the second phase of Nigeria’s nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign, which aims to reach 43 million children aged between nine months and 15 years across 16 states.
The current phase, covering eight southern states, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa, marks a significant step toward Nigeria’s goal of eliminating measles and rubella.
This rollout builds on the achievements of the initial campaign conducted in October last year across 19 northern states and Oyo State, which successfully reached more than 59 million children.
Lessons learned from that first phase have been integrated into the southern campaign to strengthen planning, coordination, and operational efficiency.
In Ondo State, the campaign also includes the introduction of the malaria vaccine, reflecting Nigeria’s broader commitment to improving child health outcomes.
WHO has commended the strong political commitment demonstrated during high-level flag-off events led by governors, first ladies, and senior officials.
These ceremonies have played a crucial role in building public trust, mobilising communities, and reinforcing the message that measles and rubella are preventable diseases when children are vaccinated.
In Osun State, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kolawole Adewusi, stressed the importance of ensuring that no child is left unprotected.
Traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, women’s associations, youth groups, and civil society partners are actively supporting mobilization efforts across all participating states.
WHO is providing extensive technical support to the campaign. This includes risk-based micro-planning, training of 5,000 health workers and mobilisers, deployment of more than 40 technical staff for supervision and real-time monitoring, strengthening vaccine safety and adverse event reporting, and enhancing data use to improve coverage and quality.
Delivery strategies combine fixed and mobile posts with school-based sessions to ensure children are reached wherever they live, learn, or play.
The campaign is led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, with strong collaboration from State Ministries of Health and partners including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.
In Bayelsa State, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa F. Brisibe, emphasised the availability of state and local government funding as evidence of ownership and sustainability.
As the campaign progresses, WHO has encouraged continued commitment from all partners to reach every eligible child, maintain high-quality implementation, and sustain public confidence.
Nigeria’s large child population means that progress in the country contributes significantly to Africa’s and the world’s measles and rubella elimination goals.
