Nigeria Launches Massive Vaccination Campaign to Protect 106 Million Children
Nigeria has launched a vast nationwide vaccination campaign, aiming to safeguard over 106 million children against measles, rubella, and polio. This substantial initiative, a significant milestone in Nigeria's public health strategy, unites multiple vaccines and essential child health services under a single coordinated drive.
The campaign, set to unfold in two phases, initially targets 20 high-risk states before expanding nationwide. It signifies a revamp of operational systems, bolstering accountability and introducing a new combined measles-rubella vaccine. The initiative is a collaborative effort, involving partnerships with international organizations and local groups, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other health partners.
Health workers will reach remote communities through fixed posts, temporary outreach points, and house-to-house teams. The campaign focuses on children aged 0-14 years for measles and rubella, and those aged 0-59 months for polio. Besides these vaccinations, the campaign integrates routine immunization with other essential services such as malaria prevention and treatment for neglected tropical diseases.
The campaign is a pivotal step in Nigeria's fight against the spread of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) and measles, with the country also collaborating with neighboring nations to achieve this goal. By uniting multiple vaccines and essential child health services, Nigeria strives to fortify its public health strategy and protect its youngest citizens.
