FG Targets 16 Million Kids in New Immunization Campaign

The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide integrated vaccination campaign targeting over 16 million children across Nigeria as part of efforts to eliminate measles and other preventable diseases by 2030.

The campaign, officially launched at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, focuses on measles, rubella, polio, and the human papillomavirus (HPV),

alongside interventions for neglected tropical diseases. The exercise aims to boost immunity among children and strengthen Nigeria’s overall public health system through improved surveillance, community sensitisation, and the integration of new technologies.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the government’s goal is to ensure no child is left behind in the renewed effort to protect young Nigerians from vaccine-preventable diseases. The minister explained that the integrated approach would deliver multiple health benefits simultaneously, using routine immunisation systems and mass awareness campaigns to reach households nationwide.

The vaccination exercise targets children between nine and fourteen years of age for the measles-rubella vaccine, while infants and younger children will benefit from polio immunisation. The government expects the campaign to enhance herd immunity, reduce disease outbreaks, and build sustainable health systems in line with the country’s commitment to the global measles elimination strategy.

Strengthening Routine Immunisation and Disease Response

Officials at the launch emphasised that the new campaign goes beyond routine vaccination, serving as part of a broader national effort to modernise public health delivery. It includes enhanced data collection, improved vaccine distribution systems, and the integration of local and international support networks to ensure efficiency.

Nigeria has continued to record measles outbreaks, particularly in communities with low vaccination coverage. Health experts say that addressing this challenge requires a more coordinated and inclusive approach that ensures vaccines reach rural and hard-to-reach areas. The 2025 campaign is therefore designed to close immunisation gaps while also introducing digital tracking tools to monitor coverage in real time.

In addition to measles and rubella, the campaign incorporates interventions for neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness, marking a shift toward holistic healthcare delivery. Officials believe this approach will help reduce the burden of preventable diseases that contribute to child mortality and hinder socioeconomic development.

The Federal Government is working closely with development partners, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to ensure adequate vaccine supply and technical support. Collaboration with state and local governments is also being prioritised to enable effective deployment of vaccination teams and community health workers across the country.

Traditional and Religious Leaders Join the Fight

Prominent traditional and religious leaders attended the event to demonstrate their support for the campaign and encourage public participation. Among them were the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

Their presence underscored the government’s belief that community influence plays a vital role in improving vaccine acceptance and dispelling misinformation. The leaders pledged to mobilise parents and caregivers to take advantage of the exercise to ensure their children are fully immunised.

Development partners also commended Nigeria’s renewed commitment to health equity, describing the campaign as a step toward rebuilding trust in public health systems after years of disruptions caused by insecurity and vaccine hesitancy.

Experts say achieving the target of vaccinating 16 million children will mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s public health history. Beyond reducing childhood mortality, it is expected to contribute to national productivity by improving overall health outcomes.

As the campaign progresses, federal and state health agencies are urging Nigerians to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every eligible child receives the required doses. Officials say this effort, if sustained, could bring Nigeria closer to the global goal of eradicating measles by 2030 while reinforcing the country’s readiness to respond to future health emergencies.