Fatima Bago, First Lady of Niger state, has launched a statewide sensitisation campaign for the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, alongside the distribution of midwives’ scrubs and delivery kits.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Minna, Bago said the vaccine, scheduled for a nationwide rollout in October, is part of broader efforts to combat childhood diseases and reduce maternal mortality across Nigeria.
She described healthcare as a collective responsibility, noting that the campaign reflects the government’s renewed commitment to protecting the health of women and children.
“The fight against vaccine-preventable diseases requires unity. Government, healthcare workers, traditional leaders, families, and communities must work together,” she said.
Bago also reaffirmed the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum’s commitment to protecting children under five through timely immunisation. She urged citizens to serve as ambassadors for the vaccine in their communities.
She specifically called on the wives of local government chairmen to lead grassroots sensitisation by visiting health centres and encouraging families to ensure that all eligible children—aged between nine months and 14 years—receive the vaccine.
Fatima Bago further highlighted that the vaccine is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as safe and effective in preventing severe complications associated with measles and rubella, including maternal-to-child transmission.
The campaign also coincides with the implementation of the Renewed Hope Initiative, a national health drive spearheaded by Oluremi Tinubu.
In his remarks, Dr Isah Vatsa, North Central Coordinator and Consultant for the Measles-Rubella Vaccine Programme, said Nigeria continues to record child fatalities linked to measles and rubella. He stressed that the new vaccine would help prevent blindness, deafness, diarrhoea, and deaths among children.
Also speaking, Niger State Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, disclosed that the state had committed ₦1.6 billion in counterpart funding to vaccinate at least three million children.
He also gave an update on the recent cholera outbreak in the state, reporting 409 confirmed cases and 13 deaths. He assured the public that treatment is being offered free of charge and that government efforts to contain the outbreak are being intensified.
By Anna Moses
