NPHCDA vaccinates 106 million Nigerian children against measles, rubella, polio, and HPV in a nationwide campaign running till February 2026

NPHCDA vaccinates 106 million Nigerian children in a renewed nationwide campaign aimed at protecting them from vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, rubella, polio, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

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The large-scale initiative, launched by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with state governments and development partners, will run from October 2025 to February 2026.

It seeks to ensure that no child is left unprotected while strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

On October 6, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially flagged off the Measles–Rubella campaign, describing it as a bold and life-saving step toward safeguarding the future of Nigerian children.

During a road walk and health show in Abuja, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization at NPHCDA, Dr. Garuba Rufai, explained that the campaign currently covers 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Children aged zero to 14 years are receiving the measles-rubella and polio vaccines, while girls aged nine to 14 years are being given the HPV vaccine alongside routine immunisations,” Dr. Rufai stated.

He added that the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with other national health programmes, including those focused on malaria prevention and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

According to him, the agency has deployed various strategies such as social mobilization drives, community engagement, and partnerships with teachers, parents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to ensure every eligible child is reached.

Dr. Rufai revealed that while the first phase covers 11 states and the FCT, subsequent phases will expand to all states by early 2026.

“We intend to vaccinate 106 million Nigerians by February. This first phase will conclude in October, with the next rounds continuing in January and February,” he said.

He urged parents and caregivers to seize the opportunity, warning that preventable diseases like measles can cause blindness or death if children remain unvaccinated.

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) Coordinator for the FCT, Dr. Kumshida Balami, reaffirmed that vaccines are safe and essential to eliminate diseases that have no place in the 21st century.

“We cannot still have children suffering from measles or women dying from HPV-related cervical cancer. Vaccines save lives,” she said.

The Director-General of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Ain, and the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, FCTA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, also led joint monitoring visits across several Primary Health Care Centres in Kogi State and the FCT.

In a statement signed by Mrs. Bola Ajao, the team was said to have engaged communities and assessed on-ground vaccination progress.

Dr. Aina commended frontline health workers for their dedication, urging them to maintain accuracy, transparency, and integrity in data reporting.

“Whether targets are met or not, verified data remain vital for effective planning and sustainable health improvement,” Aina emphasized.

He reassured health workers that the Federal Government is addressing operational challenges under the Renewed Hope Health Reform Agenda, which seeks to deliver equitable healthcare nationwide.

At the New Township PHC in Abaji, Dr. Fasawe personally administered vaccines to infants and urged mothers to continue promoting routine immunisation in their communities.

She warned that unvaccinated children remain vulnerable to life-threatening infections such as measles and rubella.

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Both health officials expressed satisfaction with the campaign’s progress so far, urging vaccination teams to remain proactive and committed to reaching every child across Nigeria.