Korede Abdullah 
MAKURDI, Nigeria – The Benue State Government has launched a Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign, aiming to immunise 2.6 million children aged nine months to 14 years against deadly childhood diseases.
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, flagged off the campaign on Thursday, describing it as a life-saving intervention to end vaccine hesitancy. “Vaccination is the best gift of good health we can give our children,” he said.
The state has received 2.7 million Measles-Rubella and 1.4 million Oral Polio vaccine doses for the 10-day exercise scheduled from October 18 to 27, 2025, followed by a mop-up phase.
Governor Alia assured full government backing, including logistics and outreach funding, while urging parents to allow access to their homes, schools, churches, and mosques.
Mrs Grace Ashi Wende, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board, said the campaign builds “a wall of immunity” around vulnerable children.
UNICEF reaffirmed its support with logistics and cold-chain management, while the NPHCDA urged parents to “take advantage of this opportunity before it’s too late.”
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