Measles-Rubella Vaccination: Stakeholders Urged To Expand Campaign To Grassroots

Stakeholders in the health sector have been urged to intensify efforts and expand the measles-rubella vaccination campaign to reach grassroots communities, as low coverage continues to pose a severe health risk, particularly to children.

The Head of Mission for the Advocacy Project at the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), Dr. Mahmud Zubairu, warned in a statement that inadequate vaccination could result in increased deaths and disabilities.

Citing past outbreaks, C-WINS recalled that in May 2024, a measles outbreak in Adamawa State claimed 24 lives, with nearly 200 suspected cases reported across two local government areas. Similar outbreaks have occurred nationwide, with Borno State, which has battled insurgency for over a decade, experiencing a high number of confirmed cases.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and remains a leading cause of death among young children worldwide. It is characterized by fever, cough, and a distinct rash,” the statement noted.

Dr. Zubairu emphasised that if left unmanaged, both measles and rubella can lead to severe complications, including lifelong disabilities and fatalities. However, adequate vaccination can prevent the spread of these diseases and save lives.

The centre highlighted that the measles vaccine, available since 1963, has reduced measles cases by up to 99 per cent compared to the pre-vaccine era. Before its introduction, measles epidemics occurred every two to three years, causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.

Similarly, rubella, a highly contagious viral disease, poses a significant risk, especially for pregnant women. If a woman contracts rubella during early pregnancy, there is a 90 per cent chance of passing the virus to the unborn child, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which causes severe birth defects.

“Like measles, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rubella and its devastating effects. The rubella vaccine is safe and helps build immunity. However, while the measles vaccine has been part of Nigeria’s immunisation schedule since 1979, the rubella vaccine is not yet included in routine immunisation at public health facilities,” the statement noted.

The centre pointed out that scientific advancements have led to the development of combined vaccines, reducing the number of injections required for children while ensuring effective immunisation.

It stressed the critical need for widespread vaccination to achieve herd immunity, ensuring that even unvaccinated children are protected when a disease is introduced.

“For vaccines to effectively prevent disease outbreaks, communities must reach herd immunity, which can only be achieved with very high vaccination coverage,” the centre stated.

However, Nigeria’s current measles-rubella vaccination coverage remains dangerously low, making awareness campaigns essential.

“The low vaccination rates highlight the urgent need for nationwide communication strategies that reach all communities and educate the public on the importance of immunization,” C-WINS emphasised.

The centre called for a strengthened national vaccination campaign that prioritises expanding routine immunisation services, ensuring an effective rollout of the measles-rubella vaccine and increasing vaccination coverage to eliminate these deadly diseases.

It also stressed the importance of highlighting rubella’s risks, particularly in pregnancy. The centre warned that rubella infections can cause severe birth defects, including hearing and vision loss, heart abnormalities, and other lifelong disabilities.

“By prioritising awareness, emphasising vaccine safety, and using effective communication strategies, Nigeria can achieve the 95 per cent vaccination coverage needed to eliminate measles and rubella,” the statement added.