A renewed commitment to child health took center stage at the Government House in Minna, as the First Lady of Niger State, Fatima Bago, pledged her full support for the upcoming statewide Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine Advocacy Campaign.
Bago made the commitment while receiving a high-level advocacy delegation spearheading the MR Vaccine Project, which aims to protect thousands of children across Niger State from the life-threatening diseases.
The team, led by the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare—represented by Dr. Mohammed Gana—briefed Fatima on the ongoing preparations ahead of the campaign’s rollout in October 2025.
Aisha Ndaliman, the State Focal Person for the campaign, emphasized that the primary objective is to drastically reduce measles and rubella infections, particularly among children under five.
“We’re targeting children under five. This campaign is key to achieving community immunity and improving long-term child survival,” Ndaliman stated.
North Central Consultant Isa Yahaya Vatsa also highlighted the vital role of the First Lady and the wives of the 25 Local Government Chairmen in grassroots mobilization. He warned of rubella’s dangerous implications for pregnant women and stressed the need for widespread public awareness.
“Rubella during pregnancy can lead to severe complications. We must ensure every eligible child is vaccinated and every household is informed,” Vatsa said.
Iliyasu Zakari, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Niger State and Chairman of Agwara Local Government Area, pledged full local government support for the campaign.
He commended the First Lady for her consistent leadership and dedication to public health causes.
In her remarks, Fatima Bago expressed deep appreciation for the initiative and assured the team of her unwavering commitment to its success.
“This is about safeguarding our future. I will work hand in hand with all stakeholders to ensure this campaign reaches every corner of the state,” she affirmed.
Backed by GAVI, federal and state health agencies, and a wide network of local partners, the October 2025 Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign is expected to make a significant and lasting impact on public health across Niger State.
By Anna Moses
