Kwara targets 1.8 million children in massive Measles-Rubella Polio vaccination drive

Kwara State has officially flagged off a major public health campaign, introducing the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine into its routine immunization schedule while simultaneously conducting a Polio vaccination drive. The twin campaigns, launched on Thursday, by the firstlady of Kwara State, Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq at the State Banquet Hall, aim to protect nearly two million children across the state from deadly and debilitating diseases.

The initiative, supported by the Nigerian government and development partners, marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to curb high child mortality and morbidity rates from vaccine-preventable diseases.

In her address at the flag-off ceremony, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary HealthCare Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu highlighted the critical importance of the combined MR vaccine.

“Measles remains one of the most contagious and fatal viral diseases affecting young children globally,” Prof. Elelu stated, noting that vaccination had already averted over 60 million deaths globally between 2000 and 2023.

She also stressed the urgency of tackling Rubella, often called German measles. While typically mild, a Rubella infection in early pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage or the birth of infants with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). Before this launch, the Rubella vaccine was only accessible in the private health sector on a fee-for-service basis, leaving many vulnerable.

The new combined MR vaccine simplifies administration, reduces the number of required visits to health facilities, and is now universally accessible in the state’s public health system.

She also stated that “Starting from Saturday, October 11, 2025, Kwara will embark on a 10-day intensive vaccination campaign. The target is ambitious: 1.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, alongside the oral polio vaccine for children aged 0-5 years.

To meet this huge goal, the KWSPHCDA is deploying a massive force of 8,657 trained personnel, including health workers, supervisors, and security personnel, ensuring no eligible child is left out. Prof. Elelu reassured Kwarans that based on past success—including reaching 1.5 million children in recent polio campaigns—the state is well-prepared for the exercise.

“Immunization is FREE, ante-natal is FREE, and all non-complicated delivery is FREE in all our 193 apex PHCs in the Kwara State!” Prof. Elelu reminded the audience, urging citizens to become advocates for the health system and utilize the available free services.

First Lady of Kwara State and Founder of the Ajike People Support Center, Her Excellency Ambassador (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq lent her powerful voice to the campaign, commending the KWSPHCDA and partners for the life-saving intervention.

“The initiative being launched here today is not just a policy milestone; it is a life-saving intervention for Kwara children and families,” the First Lady asserted.

She highlighted the critical need to close existing coverage gaps, noting that only about 60% of Nigerian children currently receive the first dose of the measles vaccine, a figure far below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity.

Prof. AbdulRazaq, who had previously worked with local government chairmen’s wives and community stakeholders to sensitize communities, emphasized the integrated nature of the campaign, which includes efforts against measles, rubella, polio, and the HPV vaccine for adolescent girls.

“I enjoin our traditional leaders, religious leaders, community heads, and the media… to continue to propagate our messages in their respective spaces, dispel unfounded assumptions about vaccines and ensure acceptability,” she said. She also urged all parents and guardians to seize the opportunity and present their eligible children for vaccination.

The event also featured remarks from key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, and partners like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), all pledging their support for the campaign’s success. Both Prof. Elelu and the First Lady expressed profound gratitude to the state Governor, His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for his consistent personal commitment and financial support to the health sector.