Niger State Governor Umaru Bago Advocates for Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign; UNICEF Collaborates with Media for Effective Outreach
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
In a significant public health initiative, Niger State Governor Mohammad Umaru Bago has officially endorsed the rollout of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, set to begin in October 2025. This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, and various development partners.
In a recent statewide broadcast from Minna, Governor Bago emphasized the serious implications of measles and rubella, noting that these diseases can lead to severe health complications, such as blindness, deafness, brain damage, heart defects, and even death in children. He affirmed the safety and efficacy of the MR vaccine, stating that it provides essential protection against both diseases. Furthermore, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the health and well-being of citizens, particularly children, by ensuring that the MR vaccine will be widely available at all healthcare facilities throughout the state.
Governor Bago urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to ensure that all children aged 9 months to 14 years receive this critical vaccine during the upcoming campaign. Following this effort, the MR vaccine will be incorporated into the routine immunization schedule and administered to children at 9 months and again at 15 months to protect them against preventable diseases.
The governor also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, healthcare providers, and community influencers to actively support the vaccination campaign, emphasizing the importance of collective action in eliminating measles and rubella from Nigeria.
In another vital step toward enhancing public health,Dr. Fatima Ibrahim, Niger State Polio Emergency Operation Center EOC, Incident Manager delivered impactful opening remarks at a one-day Media Dialogue held recently at Haske Luxury, focused on the upcoming integrated Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign.
Dr.Fatima highlighted the country’s pivotal moment as it prepares to incorporate the Measles-Rubella vaccine into the national immunization schedule. For decades, measles has remained a leading cause of mortality among children under five years old. Additionally, rubella poses serious risks during pregnancy, leading to lifelong complications for affected infants.
“With the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, we now have an additional, powerful tool to combat these diseases and safeguard future generations,” Dr.Fatima stated.
She underscored the remarkable collaboration between the national and state governments, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and other partners, which has made this historic initiative possible.
The MR vaccine, she noted, is safe, government-funded, and free for all eligible children aged 9 months to 14 years. Dr.Fatima emphasized the critical role of media in this campaign. “Collective action with the media is essential to raise awareness and end the transmission of measles and rubella in our society,” she asserted.
She urged media professionals to actively dispel myths and misinformation surrounding vaccinations. “Your voice can build trust in science and public health. The stories you choose to tell can transform vaccination from a mere medical procedure into a valued community responsibility,” Dr.Fatima said.
Furthermore, she encouraged the media to engage parents, caregivers, and communities, framing immunization days as significant events that provide crucial protection for children rather than routine health checks. “It is vital that these moments are celebrated and seen as significant contributions to community health,” she concluded.
Speaking during her remarks, the Chief of Kaduna Field Office, Dr Gerida Birukila represented by Dr Ahmed Tsofo, Health Specialist said the media has a critical role to play in the campaign for MR Vaccine.
According to Dr. Birukila “your voice can break down myths and misinformation. Your platforms can build trust in public health and you can make vaccination not just a medical necessity but an honorable parental duty and a community value proudly upheld.”
She further asked the Media to help in Mobilizing parents, caregivers and communities—so that immunization days are seen not as routine, but as moments of protection and demonstration of care.
While urging the media to Counter myths and disinformation—with facts and data delivered in clear, relatable language, Dr. Birukila appealed to practitioners to amplify accurate information—so that parents know vaccines are safe, effective, paid for by the governments and provided at no additional charge.
The dialogue set an encouraging tone for the months ahead as Nigeria prepares for the launch of the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, a crucial step in protecting the health of its youngest citizens.
