Nasarawa State Intensifies Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign

The Nasarawa State Government has reinforced its commitment to combating measles and rubella by integrating the vaccines into its routine immunization program.  

Governor Abdullahi Sule announced the initiative during a stakeholders' engagement meeting organized by the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the Centre for Wellbeing and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (c.Wins).  

Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, Governor Sule called for increased public awareness to ensure vaccine acceptance, stressing that the vaccines are safe and free for children aged 9 to 15 months.  

'We must all support this initiative as part of our collective responsibility to safeguard our people, he urged.  

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwona, expressed confidence in the state’s ability to curb the outbreak, citing its effective COVID-19 response. He confirmed that recent measles cases in Rukkubi were promptly contained and praised healthcare workers for their dedication.  

NAPHDA Executive Secretary, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, outlined the meeting’s objectives, including securing government and community backing for the vaccine rollout. He highlighted the First Lady Hajiya Salifat Abdullahi Sule’s advocacy efforts with traditional leaders, which have bolstered public trust in the new 2-in-1 measles-rubella vaccine (MRV).  

Representatives from the World Health Organization, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and local government chairmen pledged their support for the campaign’s success.