The Nigerian Federal Government, in partnership with the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), is set to launch a nationwide measles vaccination campaign this October. The ambitious initiative aims to vaccinate over 100 million un-immunized and under-imm
unized children across the country.
Dr. Joseph Forbi, a US CDC Nigeria epidemiologist, shared these plans at a recent media roundtable in Abuja, highlighting Nigeria’s concerning measles burden. He noted that Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries globally for measles cases. So far in 2024, the nation has reported over 20,000 suspected cases, with nearly 10,000 confirmed, predominantly among children who haven’t received or are only partially vaccinated against measles.
“Immunization coverage remains low, with only 60% of Nigerian children receiving their first dose of the measles vaccine on schedule,” Dr. Forbi stated. Despite this, he observed a gradual decrease in measles cases and related deaths, attributing it to intensified health interventions.
Dr. Patricia Tanifum, Program Director for the CDC Nigeria’s Global Immunization Division, cautioned that Nigeria is currently lagging behind the global goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2030. However, she commended the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for their ongoing efforts to boost immunization coverage and eradicate measles nationwide.
