Hussaini Ibrahim 
LAFIA, Nigeria – The Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting more than 1.3 million children against measles and rubella across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas.
Speaking at a media dialogue on Friday, State Health Educator Ishaya Amegwa said 1,372,000 children aged nine months to 14 years are expected to be immunised during the 10-day exercise running from October 6 to 16.
He explained that the campaign aims to boost immunity against the two diseases and contribute to global efforts to eliminate measles and rubella by 2030. The vaccines, he added, are certified safe and free for all eligible children.
“We call on parents and caregivers to seize this opportunity to protect their children. No child should be left behind,” Amegwa said.
UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Luqman Ahmed announced that the state’s official campaign launch would be held in Akwanga on October 7. “Collective action is essential. With every vaccination round, we prevent disease and secure the future of our children,” he said.
He noted that integrating polio, measles, and rubella vaccines into a single campaign makes immunisation more effective, adding that Nigeria still records high numbers of “zero-dose” children.
Agency Secretary Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, represented by Abubakar Ibrahim, stressed the role of accurate information, while commending UNICEF and partners for their support.
Public health experts at the event urged the media to sustain advocacy, stressing that the vaccines are WHO- and NAFDAC-certified and safe.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 
