The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Nigeria has called for better vaccination coverage to stop the growing spread of measles in the country.
Dr. Joseph Forbi, an expert with CDC Nigeria’s Global Immunisation Disease program, said measles is still a major cause of sickness and death in children around the world. He spoke during a media event in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Forbi said Nigeria is currently one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of measles cases in the world.
In 2024, Nigeria reported over 20,000 suspected cases of measles. About 10,000 of these were confirmed, and most were found in children who were either not vaccinated or didn’t get enough doses.
He explained that even though these numbers are high, only 60% of Nigerian children get their first dose of the measles vaccine on time. This means around three million children in Nigeria are still unprotected.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, every state in Nigeria has seen measles outbreaks. Many of these outbreaks are still happening.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said there were about 10.3 million measles cases in 2023—20% more than in 2022.
The WHO said the main reason for the increase is poor vaccination coverage around the world.Measles can be prevented with two doses of vaccine, but in 2023, more than 22 million children missed their first dose.
Globally, around 83% of children received the first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023, but only 74% got the second dose, which is needed for full protection.
Dr. Forbi warned that measles is highly contagious. One infected person can spread the disease to 12 to 18 others who aren’t immune.
He said the virus spreads through coughs, sneezes, or touching surfaces with the virus. It can stay active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Patricia Tanifum, who leads CDC Nigeria’s immunisation program, said measles can lead to serious complications, including disability or death.
She said there is a global goal to eliminate measles by the year 2030. Although Nigeria is currently behind on this goal, efforts are being made to catch up.
The Nigerian government, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, is working hard to meet this 2030 goal.
She added that the U.S. CDC is also working with partners to support Nigeria’s National Measles and Rubella program.
Dr. Forbi also said the government has adopted a new plan that focuses on improving routine immunisation, tracking disease cases, and quickly responding to outbreaks.
Thanks to Nigeria’s continued efforts and help from the CDC and other partners, measles cases and deaths are starting to go down.In the first five months of 2025, Nigeria had fewer measles cases compared to the same time in 2024.
In one week of 2024, there were 8,405 cases, with 1,953 confirmed. In the same week of 2025, there were 6,238 cases and 1,403 confirmed.
Dr. Forbi said the CDC helped Nigeria during mass vaccination campaigns in 2023 and 2024 to support the government’s efforts.
The CDC also helped strengthen Nigeria’s network of laboratories for testing measles and rubella. There are now six regional labs, one state lab, and one national reference lab.
The CDC also provided training and medical supplies to help with diagnosing measles through blood and molecular testing.
Dr. Forbi added that the CDC is helping Nigeria get ready for a mass vaccination campaign in 2025 and 2026. They also helped Nigeria get funding from GAVI, a global vaccine group, to vaccinate over 100 million children aged 9 months to 15 years across the country.
