The federal government will on Monday, October 6, 2025, flag off Africa’s largest integrated health campaign with the introduction of the measles-rubella vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule.
The campaign, aimed at reducing cases of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) and interrupting transmission of measles and rubella, will target 63 million children aged nine months to under 15 years in its first phase, and 43 million in the second phase. The overall goal is to achieve 95 per cent coverage across implementing states and close the gap of zero-dose children, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, causes high fever, rash, cough and red eyes, and can lead to severe complications. Rubella, also viral and contagious, spreads easily and presents with rash, low fever and other symptoms.
The government said the nationwide exercise would also be used to strengthen routine immunisation services, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged nine, as well as second-year-of-life vaccinations.
Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said the initiative represents a major step in protecting children’s health and advancing Nigeria’s immunisation coverage.
