Nigeria Launches Africa’s Largest Vaccination Drive to Protect 106 Million Children

In a historic public health move, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday launched Africa’s largest integrated immunization campaign in Abuja, targeting the protection of over 106 million Nigerian children against measles, rubella, and polio.

The National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign is aimed at safeguarding children from deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting a healthier future for the nation.

Speaking at the flag-off, Mrs. Tinubu described the initiative as “a pathway to hope and a promise of progress,” emphasizing that the vaccines are safe, effective, and free. She urged parents, community leaders, and traditional rulers to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

“Measles can lead to blindness, disability, and even death. Rubella, often silent, can cause severe birth defects during pregnancy. Vaccination remains one of the greatest gifts of modern medicine, giving our children the chance to grow, learn, and thrive,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu commended the Ministry of Health, led by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and partners such as WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their continued support.

Professor Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, praised the First Lady’s commitment, highlighting that President Bola Tinubu is using health as a unifying tool to inspire the country.

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education, Peter Ojonuba, represented Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, describing the campaign as both a health and education investment. “A healthy child is a teachable child. Schools will serve as hubs for awareness and vaccine delivery,” he added, warning school administrators against obstructing vaccination efforts.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, called the initiative “a historic milestone,” pledging $103 million to support the campaign. Gavi’s Senior Programme Manager for Nigeria, Tarcile Mballa, noted that the alliance has invested over $2.6 billion in Nigeria’s immunization programs over the last two decades.

Despite progress, Nigeria still faces challenges. Deputy Director for Immunization and Disease Control, Yusuf Yusufari, disclosed that over two million Nigerian children remain “zero-dose,” the second-highest globally, fueling outbreaks of measles and circulating type-2 poliovirus.

The 2025 campaign targets 16 million children aged 0-14 across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 21 states, children will receive both measles-rubella and polio vaccines in a single visit, while in four states, the campaign will also provide mosquito nets, deworming tablets, and treatments for neglected tropical diseases.

Mrs. Tinubu pledged ongoing advocacy through state first ladies, women’s groups, and community leaders to ensure the success of the campaign, describing it as a decisive step in protecting the nation’s children.