Luqman Ahmed, health specialist of UNICEF, says no fewer than 1.37 million children, aged between nine months and 14 years, are being targeted for vaccination against measles-rubella and polio in Nasarawa State.

Mr Ahmed stated this at a media dialogue on the Integrated Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction and polio campaign on Friday in Lafia.

He said that the vaccination campaign would run from October 7 to October 17, at designated Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, with two additional days for mop-up.

He emphasised that the vaccines were safe, government-funded and free for all eligible children.

According to him, the exercise is a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against preventable diseases.

“For decades, measles has been one of the leading killers of children under five, while rubella causes lifelong harm when it infects pregnant women and children.

“With the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, we now have a powerful tool to stop both diseases and protect future generations,” he said.

Mr Ahmed added that Nigeria must sustain its collective efforts to end poliovirus transmission by 2025, noting that 95 per cent of children under five must receive the Oral Polio Vaccine in every round until eradication is achieved.

He, however, expressed concern that Nigeria still had one of the highest numbers of zero-dose children globally, leaving them vulnerable to measles outbreaks, rubella, and variant poliovirus spread.

He urged the media to support the campaign by mobilising parents and caregivers, amplifying accurate information, countering myths and misinformation, and celebrating community champions.

“We must ensure that immunisation days are seen not as routine, but as moments of protection and demonstration of care against child killer diseases.

“Vaccine is only effective when it reaches every child. Your platforms can build trust in science and public health and make vaccination not just a medical necessity but a parental duty and community value,” he said.

Mr Ahmed commended the federal and state governments and the support of UNICEF, WHO, Gavi and partners in making the campaign possible.

Ishaya Amegwa, Nasarawa State health educator, said the state had engaged critical stakeholders ahead of the measles-rubella vaccination exercise.

He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for publicly endorsing the introduction of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine into routine immunisation in the state.

“Sule is the first governor to endorse the integration of the MR vaccine into routine immunisation. Since then, a lot has been achieved. We appeal to parents and caregivers to ensure no child misses the vaccine,” he said.

Also speaking, Kalu Idika, a facilitator, urged journalists to prioritise health reporting to educate and guide the public in an era of misconception and disinformation.

(NAN)