Mirian Gom 
Dr Frank Obi presents on the dangers of rubella in pregnancy and the importance of measles-rubella vaccination during the National Media Orientation on the 2025/2026 Integrated Campaign in Abuja.
ABUJA, Nigeria – Public health experts are warning that rubella infection during pregnancy leads to irreversible congenital defects, underscoring the urgent need for widespread vaccination in Nigeria.
Speaking at a National Media Orientation on the 2025/2026 Integrated Measles-Rubella Campaign organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja on Friday, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Surveillance Consultant with AFENET Nigeria, Dr. Baffa Ibrahim,highlighted the dangers.
“In 2024, the global burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) remains a major concern, with around 100,000 babies born with CRS annually,” Dr Ibrahim said.
He noted that limited surveillance masks the true burden in Nigeria, but seroprevalence studies confirm high susceptibility among women of childbearing age.
He explained that rubella infection in pregnancy results in CRS, an underdiagnosed cause of childhood disability. “MR vaccine provides dual benefits – sustaining measles control while preventing rubella and CRS,” he stressed.
A Non-Polio SIAs Consultant, Dr. Izuchukwu Frank Obi, added that the integrated campaign begins October 4th, targeting 63 million children aged 9 months to under 15 years in phase one, and 43 million in phase two. The goal is to achieve 95% coverage across implementing states.
Dr. Obi warned that Nigeria contributes significantly to measles, rubella and cVPV2 globally. “Vaccination does not stop for one year. Children still require vaccines at age two and beyond,” he said.
He confirmed that vaccinations will be provided at schools, markets, worship centres and community hubs, but no house-to-house campaigns will be conducted due to high costs.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
