Gates Foundation Urges Parents to Vaccinate Children Against Measles-Rubella
Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Nigeria has urged parents to vaccinate their children against Measles and Rubella, calling the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine “safe, effective, and free” in all government health facilities.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Foundation warned that Rubella, often seen as mild, can cause severe harm to unborn babies if contracted during pregnancy.
“Rubella may appear minor, but it can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome, leading to blindness, deafness, brain damage, and heart defects,” it said.
The Foundation also raised concern over Measles, a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and death without vaccination.
“The proven solution is immunisation,” the statement emphasised. “The MR vaccine is free and available nationwide. Parents should visit the nearest health centre for their child’s vaccination.”
The Foundation reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s vaccination campaigns, stressing that immunisation remains one of the most effective ways to prevent disease outbreaks and protect children’s health.
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Korede Abdullah 
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