An integrated vaccination campaign aimed to protect 106 million children against measles, rubella and polio has been launched by the Nigerian government.
This initiative is a response to persistent outbreaks of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) as well as measles and rubella outbreaks in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.
The large-scale campaign will be implemented in two phases, with the first targeting 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo state in the southwest, and the second beginning in January 2026, and will be expanded to the remaining southern states.
Children between 0 and 14 years would be given vaccines for measles and rubella and 0–59 months for polio, with health workers delivering services through fixed posts, temporary outreach points, and house-to-house “sweep teams,” ensuring that even children in the most remote and underserved areas are reached.
In addition to measles-rubella and polio vaccines, the campaign integrates routine immunization and other essential child health services, including treatment for neglected tropical diseases and seasonal malaria chemoprevention in high-risk areas. This holistic approach supports Nigeria’s “Primary Health Care Under One Roof” strategy and advances the Health Campaign Effectiveness agenda towards universal health coverage.
Nigeria is coordinating with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad and Niger through a cross-border action plan to stop active outbreaks by the end of 2025 and eliminate remaining risks by the end of 2026.
“On behalf of the Government, I want to express our deep respect and gratitude to Nigeria’s frontline health workers for their unwavering dedication. I urge you to approach this campaign with the same resilience and commitment you have shown over the years.
“As a parent myself, I know that no parent would ever refuse something that protects their child. Vaccines are safe, and they save lives,” the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Ali Pate, stated.
This campaign builds on the success of two recent “In-between Round Activities” in 11 northern states (August–September 2025), which reached over 3.1 million children with vaccines, provided nutrition supplements to 500 000 malnourished children, and delivered anti-malaria interventions to 150 000 children.
“Nigeria’s integrated approach sets a strong example for the Region. By uniting efforts against measles, rubella and polio, and by working hand-in-hand with communities and partners, we are moving closer to the day when no African child suffers or dies from these preventable diseases,” Dr Mohammed Janabi, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
In preparation for this nationwide rollout, Nigeria has also strengthened systems to ensure smooth implementation. Trainers have been mobilized across states, payment processes for frontline workers have been redesigned for greater efficiency, and campaign systems have been upgraded to integrate data more effectively and safeguard integrity. These investments will ensure that every health worker is supported and every child vaccinated is recorded accurately, bolstering accountability and trust in the programme.
The country is also introducing a new combined measles-rubella vaccine to replace the measles-only vaccine. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, particularly for malnourished children, while rubella can cause severe birth defects (Congenital Rubella Syndrome) if contracted during pregnancy.
The campaign is led by the government with support from the WHOUNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, civil society organizations, and traditional and religious leaders. Robust coordination mechanisms are in place for financing, social mobilization, training, vaccines and logistics to ensure success.