State governments are being asked to set aside special funds in their budgets to help deliver the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine before a nationwide campaign starts in October.
This request was made by the Centre for Wellbeing and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), through a statement from Dr. Mahmud Zubairu, the Head of its Advocacy Project.
C-WINS said it is important for state and local governments to work together to stop measles and rubella in Nigeria. It mentioned that past efforts have been slowed down by problems like lack of funding, unstable leadership, and difficulties in keeping vaccines cold in rural areas.
The group said that ending measles and rubella in Nigeria will need more than just vaccines. It will also require strong political support, teamwork among government agencies, and continuous involvement of citizens.
C-WINS urged state governments to follow the Federal Government’s lead by adding the MR vaccine delivery to their budgets and improving cooperation with local governments.
They warned that measles is still a serious danger to children in Nigeria. The upcoming vaccine campaign is meant to help prevent deaths and birth defects in children.
The group also warned that measles and rubella are often misdiagnosed, which can lead to serious issues like Congenital Rubella Syndrome in unborn babies. Other long-term effects can include hearing loss, blindness, and learning difficulties.
To make sure no group is left out, C-WINS said it is working with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to reach people who are most at risk.
C-WINS also plans to partner with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to include vaccine education in their training programs, so that young people across the country can learn about it.
In addition, C-WINS called on important government agencies—like the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and ministries of health, information, education, women’s affairs, and budget planning—to support the national strategy for spreading information about measles and rubella.
The centre also said that health and safety agencies—like NAFDAC, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and the National Orientation Agency—should work closely together to help the campaign succeed.
C-WINS pointed out that, during a meeting in February, a coalition it led convinced the Budget Office to support Nigeria’s part of the MR vaccine funding in the 2025 budget. This group included governors’ spouses, health reform advocates, and other national health supporters.
The Budget Office boss, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, promised that the funds would be released on time to help keep the vaccine supply cold and prevent delays in the campaign.
C-WINS said a special government committee will be set up—once the President approves it—to oversee the MR vaccine campaign at the national level.
To raise public awareness, the Federal Ministry of Information is using radio, TV, newspapers, schools, women’s groups, and direct outreach to children and young people who are not in school.
