The Kwara State Government has commenced an integrated vaccination campaign to protect vulnerable children against measles-rubella and polio across the state.
The 10-day exercise, which began on Saturday, October 11, 2025, targets at least 1.8 million children aged between 9 months and 14 years for the measles-rubella vaccine, and children from birth to 5 years for the oral polio vaccine.
Organised by the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), among other partners, the campaign seeks to enhance immunity and reduce preventable childhood diseases.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin on Thursday, Kwara’s First Lady, Amb. Prof Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as a life-saving intervention for children and families in the state.
She called on parents and guardians to present their children within the eligible age brackets for vaccination.
“I commend the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and all development partners for the efforts that culminated in the launch of the roll out of Measles Rubella Vaccine in the state,” First Lady Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq said.
She noted that the introduction of the measles-rubella (MRV) vaccine was both timely and necessary, considering recent measles outbreaks in parts of the country.
According to her, only about 60 per cent of Nigerian children receive the first dose of the measles vaccine, while the second dose coverage is as low as 38 per cent — a gap responsible for repeated outbreaks.
By launching the MRV campaign, she said, Nigeria, including Kwara, is taking a major step towards closing that gap and ensuring better protection for every child and family.
The First Lady also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, community heads, and the media to support government efforts in promoting awareness about the benefits of the vaccines.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, described the campaign as a transformative public health initiative designed to save lives across communities.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Abdullahi Taoheed, the Commissioner urged stakeholders to devote resources and energy to community mobilisation, awareness creation, and overcoming barriers to immunisation.
Health officials highlight vaccine impact, call for community support
Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Prof Nusirat Elelu, said 8,657 trained personnel, including health workers, supervisors, and security staff, had been deployed for the campaign.
“Measles remains one of the most contagious and fatal viral diseases affecting young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and highly effective vaccine,” she said.
“Between years 2000 and 2023, it is estimated that measles vaccination alone averted over 60 million deaths globally. Yet, the disease remains endemic in many developing countries, particularly Africa and Asia.”
Prof Elelu explained that rubella poses severe risks to pregnant women, such as miscarriage, fetal death, or the birth of infants with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
She assured that the agency would continue working to protect public health, noting that immunisation, antenatal care, and all non-complicated deliveries are provided free of charge at primary healthcare centres across the state.
Prof Elelu also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investments in the health sector and appreciated his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, Chairman of the State Task Force on Immunization and PHC, for his consistent support.
“We are extremely grateful to Her Excellency, Amb. (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, whose relentless advocacy for maternal and child health has been a beacon of hope for our communities,” she added.
Dr Adeola-Musa of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency encouraged community leaders and parents to participate fully in the vaccination drive by mobilising children for immunisation.
Similarly, WHO Surveillance Officer, Mrs Abdulkadir Rashidat, affirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, calling on parents and community leaders to support vaccination teams during the campaign.
UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, Ibrahim Tsado Mohammed, warned that measles, rubella, and polio continue to pose major health threats to children despite global progress.
He urged the media and civil society organisations to help counter misinformation and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Mariam Yusuf Aladi; Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Seun Oguniyi; cabinet members; Acting Head of Service, Mrs Shittu Olufunke Mercy; and several traditional and community leaders.
Others were the wife of the State Chief Judge, Mrs Olufunke Adebara; wives of local government chairmen; and wife of the APC State Chairman, Princess Ayodele Fagbemi.
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