Kogi Targets 1.9m Children In Measles-Rubella Campaign

Kogi State governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has launched an Integrated Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign, combined with novel Oral Poliovirus (nOPV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, and Routine Immunisation (RI) system strengthening in the state. The campaign promises to reach 1.9 million children.

While launching the campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, Ododo stated that the campaign would run from October 6 to 15 and aims to protect over 1,988,371 children aged 9 months to 14 years.

The campaign, which is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other donor agencies, is expected to be replicated in other local government areas across the state.

The governor stressed that the campaign’s key objectives are immunising children against measles and rubella, strengthening defence against polio virus resurgence, introducing the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer, and revitalising the Routine Immunisation (RI) system.

He said: “Routine immunisation is a powerful tool to end avoidable ailments and to preserve our state. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child is reached”.

He promised that his administration would ensure the campaign reaches every ward and district across the state.

While calling on parents and caregivers to present their children for immunisation, he appreciated the support of traditional rulers and religious leaders, urging them to continue sensitising their communities about the importance of vaccination.

The governor emphasised that the campaign represents a commitment to life, change, and the well-being of future generations.

During a field visit to Ogori/Magongo LGA in Kogi Central, the Local Immunisation Officer (LIO) Oluwafemi Felicia said the local government is targeting 13890 in nopv2 and 29,169 MR, which commenced on October 6, 2025.

While commending UNICEF and other donor agencies for their support to ensure the success of the campaign, Felicia, however said they were faced with the initial problem of non-compliance in some schools, which she said was promptly resolved by LGA authority.

The state’s commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, commended the governor’s leadership, noting that the revitalisation of PHCs across the state has gained broad community acceptance.

Abdulazeez also applauded the contributions of religious scholars and community leaders in promoting public health awareness.

Earlier, Dr Musa Muazu, the executive director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the state has conducted microplanning, mobilised cold chain and logistics, and engaged social mobilisation teams.

Mu’azu urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure every eligible child is vaccinated, emphasising that vaccines are safe, free, and save lives.

The executive director expressed gratitude to the governor, commissioner for health, development partners, healthcare workers, and community leaders for their support.

In his goodwill message, Abdulrazaq Ishola, who represented the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), praised Kogi State for achieving 100 per cent coverage in previous immunisation rounds.

He noted that Governor Ododo’s personal involvement in the flag-off demonstrates genuine commitment to public health but appealed to him to consider the recruitment of additional frontline and auxiliary health workers to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.