Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Wives of state governors across Nigeria, under the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), have launched a nationwide campaign to combat Measles and Rubella by increasing vaccine uptake among children.
This initiative, formalised in December 2024 in partnership with the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), targets a 95% vaccination coverage by mobilising communities and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
“This vaccine is not just a health intervention; it is an investment in the next generation,” said C-WINS Project Team Lead Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje,.
Measles and Rubella are highly contagious viral diseases, primarily affecting unvaccinated children.
Measles causes high fever, rash, and can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, while Rubella, though milder, is particularly dangerous during pregnancy due to the risk of congenital rubella syndrome.
The Chairperson of the NGSF and Kwara State First Lady, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, stressed the critical role of women in promoting child health: “Our role is to ensure no child is left behind. We are passionate about leveraging our influence and platforms to protect Nigeria’s children from preventable diseases.”
At a strategic meeting in Ilorin on February 22, C-WINS Head of Mission Dr. Mahmud Zubairu, along with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and National Orientation Agency, discussed state-level rollouts, highlighting community engagement and state-specific advocacy tools.
Zubairu emphasized the seriousness of the campaign, saying, “This is more than a campaign. It is a movement driven by women leaders reshaping the future of child health in Nigeria.”
Since February, First Ladies have led state-level launches in at least 13 states, with other designated officials stepping in where necessary. In Ebonyi State, where the campaign was launched by Mrs. Mary Uzoamaka Nwifuru, early impact has been visible.
“The vaccine is safe. I urge all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated before the national date of October 25,” she stated.
According to WHO Surveillance Officer Dr. Elandi Dadi, confirmed measles cases in Ebonyi dropped from 49 in 2022 to just one in 2024, underscoring the success of early sensitisation.
The campaign also aligns with Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, prioritising maternal and child health across Nigeria.
