Nigerlites Tasked to Embrace Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine as UNICEF and WHO Prepare for an Effective Campaign.
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
Nigeria is gearing up for its inaugural Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, a critical initiative aimed at protecting the health of children nationwide.
This message was underscored during a one-day Media Dialogue held at Haske Luxury, where Dr. Fatima Ibrahim, Incident Manager of the Niger State Polio Emergency Operation Center (EOC), delivered impactful opening remarks.
Dr. Fatima highlighted the importance of this moment as Nigeria prepares to include the Measles-Rubella vaccine in its national immunization schedule. “For decades, measles has been a leading cause of mortality among children under five, while rubella poses serious risks during pregnancy, potentially leading to lifelong complications for affected infants,” she explained.
She expressed optimism about the introduction of the MR vaccine, stating, “We now have an additional, powerful tool to combat these diseases and safeguard future generations.
” The vaccine is confirmed to be safe, government-funded, and provided free of charge to all eligible children aged 9 months to 14 years.
Dr. Fatima emphasized the essential role of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and other partners. This collective effort is paving the way for what she described as a historic initiative.
Recognizing the crucial influence of the media, Dr. Fatima urged journalists to actively participate in the campaign by dispelling misinformation surrounding vaccinations.
She encouraged media professionals to engage parents in viewing immunization days as significant events that provide critical protection for children, rather than just routine health checks.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Gerida Birukila, Chief of the Kaduna Field Office, represented by Dr. Ahmed Tsofo, Health Specialist, also emphasized the media’s vital role in the campaign for the MR vaccine.
According to Dr. Birukila, “Your voice can break down myths and misinformation. Your platforms can build trust in public health, making vaccination not just a medical necessity but an honorable parental duty and a community value proudly upheld.”
She further urged the media to help mobilize parents, caregivers, and communities so that immunization days are seen not as routine events but as moments of protection and care.
While encouraging the media to counter myths and disinformation with facts and data, Dr. Birukila appealed to media practitioners to amplify accurate information, ensuring that parents understand vaccines are safe, effective, government-funded, and provided at no additional charge.
As Nigeria prepares for the launch of the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, this dialogue has set a positive tone for the months ahead, marking a crucial step in safeguarding the health of the nation’s youngest citizens.
