Abuja, Nigeria remains committed to the global goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2030. As Africa’s most populous nation, its progress is vital for both regional and global efforts. The comprehensive Integrated Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign demonstrates strong government leadership and collaboration with local and international partners to ensure every eligible child receives essential vaccines.

In recent weeks, health workers have traversed rivers, rugged terrain, and crowded settlements to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases — including measles, rubella, and polio.

The Government of Nigeria, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), successfully implemented the first phase of the Integrated Measles–Rubella and Polio (MR-Polio) Vaccination Campaign with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Rotary, Gates Foundation and other partners.

The first phase was conducted in two streams: 11 states and the FCT in the initial stream, and nine states — Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe — in the second stream.

The next phase begins in January 2026 across 16 southern states, aiming to protect more than 106 million children — the largest campaign of its kind in Africa and among the largest globally.

One Visit, Multiple Interventions
The campaign provided essential health services in a single contact, including:
•    Measles–rubella vaccine for children aged 9 months to 14 years
•    Novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) for children under 5
•    Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) for children aged 3 to 59 months
•    Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):
•    Onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (5 years and above)
•    Schistosomiasis (5–14 years)
•    Trachoma (all ages)
•    HPV vaccine for 9-year-old girls

This integrated approach increased coverage, reduced missed opportunities, and reinforced primary health care capacity.

Reaching Children Everywhere
A strong deployment of over 27,000 trained vaccinators and social mobilisers supported delivery. For example:

•    In flood-prone areas of Adamawa, teams used boats to reach isolated settlements.
•    In Kaduna, outreach posts were established around farmlands and transit points.
•    In Borno’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and communities affected by security challenges, caregivers converged on temporary posts for vaccination services.
•    On the hills of Plateau State and Taraba’s Mambilla Plateau, teams climbed steep paths with vaccine cold boxes.

“We are committed to reaching every settlement on our microplans — no matter how difficult,” said Abdulmumini Musa, a vaccinator in Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State. “Every vaccinated child reduces the risk of outbreaks.” (Microplans are detailed local guides that help health teams plan and deliver services to every community.)

Protecting Millions — Early Results
Preliminary national data compiled for streams 1 and 2, phase 1, as of 30 October 2025, show:
•    Over 58.9 million children vaccinated against measles and rubella
•    Over 38.5 million children protected against variant poliovirus with nOPV2
•    Nearly 2.5 million people reached with malaria and NTD interventions
•    About 675,000 9-year-old girls received the HPV vaccine
•    Over 1.4 million children under 1 received Penta-1, while about 3.3 million children aged 12–23 months received Penta-3 — the latter are considered zero-dose children

These data are being validated through post-campaign surveys and independent monitoring — external checks by trained observers to ensure the campaign reached its goals and maintained quality standards. 

“When other children in our compound fell sick, mine remained healthy because he was vaccinated,” said Ikima Salisu, a mother of five in Dull village, Bauchi. “Now I encourage every mother: vaccines keep our children safe.”

Government Leadership — From State to Grassroots
Governors, First Ladies, and Commissioners led statewide flag-offs, reinforcing vaccination as a national priority. Ward development committees, traditional leaders, and influencers helped counter misinformation and encourage participation.

“Every child deserves protection, no matter where they live,” said Dr. Sufyan Ahmad, Incident Manager at the Emergency Operation Centre, Bauchi. “We worked with Islamic school leaders, quickly solved supply gaps, and are now conducting mop-up to reach missed children. I urge all caregivers to bring their children forward — their health depends on it.”

Challenges and Solutions
Despite significant constraints, swift decision-making and adaptive strategies ensured implementation stayed on track:

These approaches improved equity and strengthened resilience.

Reinforcing Coordination and Accountability
WHO is supporting Nigeria’s campaign through coordinated technical, operational, and monitoring assistance:
•    Technical Guidance and Partner Coordination: WHO facilitated alignment among national and international partners, streamlining resources and avoiding duplication across states and LGAs.
•    Capacity Building: Training on microplanning, integrated service delivery, vaccine safety, and data use
•    Microplanning and Verification: Validation of microplans and settlement verification
•    Deployment of Experts: WHO-supported personnel were embedded across all implementing states, LGAs, and wards, providing real-time guidance and troubleshooting. 
•    Monitoring and Data-Driven Action: WHO coordinated independent monitoring and daily review meetings, enabling swift corrective actions and improving campaign quality. 
•    Operational Support: WHO managed logistics, fund disbursement, and procurement of essential materials, ensuring timely delivery and accountability.

“Nigeria’s progress reflects strong government leadership and effective collaboration,” said Dr. Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “Reaching every eligible child today prevents outbreaks tomorrow. These coordinated efforts are laying the groundwork for a healthier future.”

Strengthening Health Systems
The integrated campaign has made significant strides in revitalising Nigeria's health systems:
•    Revitalisation of inter-sectoral coordination
•    Improved microplanning and community engagement
•    Enhanced accountability for coverage and equity
•    Strengthened skills for integrated Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery
•    Increased caregiver confidence in immunisation services

These gains support routine immunisation and bolster public health security through extended age vaccination and emergency preparedness.

The Road Ahead
As mop-up activities continue in areas with missed children, WHO, the Government of Nigeria, and partners urge all stakeholders — from community leaders to caregivers — to remain engaged and vigilant. Sustained commitment is essential to:
•    Achieve measles–rubella elimination by 2030
•    Maintain polio-free status and interrupt variant poliovirus transmission
•    Strengthen primary health care service delivery across all communities
•    Ensure no child is left behind — every child deserves protection
Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient Nigeria. Join us in this shared responsibility — because every child counts.