UNICEF Targets 1.4m Children For Measles, Rubella Vaccination In Nasarawa

The United Nations Children’s Fund has revealed that it is targeting no fewer than 1,372,251 children between the ages of nine months and 14 years against measles and rubella in Nasarawa State.

Head of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Dr Luqman Ahmed, disclosed this on Friday during a Media Dialogue, Orientation and Mobilisation Session on the Integrated Measles-Rubella Polio Vaccination Campaign held in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.

He said 1,560,000 children under five would be targeted for the novel oral polio vaccination (nOPV2) during the exercise which is due to commence from October 6.

Dr Ahmed explained that measles posed significant threats to children despite efforts to curb the menace, pointing out that  Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of zero-dose children in the world.

He said the situation is compounded by the fact that Rubella continued to threaten unborn children, amid the disturbing spread of variant poliovirus in the country.

He said because of the disturbing trend, UNICEF, in collaboration with partners, is also targeting 102 million children in the integrated vaccination drive.

“This historic step is possible through the leadership of our Government at both National and State levels, with strong support from UNICEF, WHO, Gavi and partners.

“The MR vaccine is safe, paid for by the government, and available for all eligible children (9 months-14 years) at no additional charge.

“Our collective action is absolutely needed to end the transmission of the deadly poliovirus by the end of 2025. We know the oral polio vaccine has brought down the incidents of paralysis due to polioviruses by 99.9% around the world. But to defeat poliovirus, 95 per cent of all children below the age of five need to receive the Oral Polio Vaccine in every vaccination round until the virus is completely eradicated,” he stated.

He urged the media to help in mobilizing parents, caregivers and communities, “so that immunisation days are seen not as routine, but as moments of protection and demonstration of care not just against polio, but all routine immunizations including measles, rubella, HPV amongst others.”

The State Health Educator, Mr. Ishaya Amegwa, appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for embracing the initiative, while urging other governors to emulate the gesture.

“Our governor was the first to publicly endorse the MR vaccine, and since then, we have engaged critical stakeholders, including legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, school PTAs, and community groups. The buy-in has been massive,” he noted.

He noted that the campaign will run from October 6 to 15, with additional mop-up days on the 16th and 17th.

“We appeal to parents and caregivers to ensure no child is missed. This vaccine has been available globally since 1979 and is safe, effective, and free of charge,” he stated.