The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a nationwide integrated vaccination and public health campaign targeting measles, polio, HPV (Human Papillomavirus), and several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The campaign was flagged off on Monday, October 6, at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, with top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and international partners in attendance.
The initiative is part of Nigeria’s strategic goal to eliminate measles by 2030, through improved routine immunisation, enhanced disease surveillance and outbreak response, integration of measles and rubella interventions into primary health care, and the promotion of innovative healthcare technologies.
“This campaign marks a significant step toward our national target to end vaccine-preventable diseases and neglected tropical illnesses,” said a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health during the event.
16 Million Children to Be Vaccinated
According to health officials, the integrated immunisation drive aims to reach over 16 million children across the country, particularly those aged 9 to 14 years, who will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine.
Other critical components of the campaign include:
- Polio vaccinations to sustain gains from Nigeria’s polio-free certification
- HPV vaccine rollout to protect girls from cervical cancer
- Interventions for neglected tropical diseases, such as deworming and preventive treatment for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis
National and Global Stakeholders in Attendance
The campaign launch attracted the presence of prominent national figures and global health partners, underscoring its importance to Nigeria’s public health strategy. Among the dignitaries present were His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto; Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other development partners
