Lagos State continued the second day of its statewide Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination and Routine Immunisation Campaign on January 28, 2026, following the official launch on January 27. The 10-day initiative, running until February 5, 2026, aims to protect children across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas through vaccination posts at health facilities, schools, markets, religious centres, and community locations.
In coverage of an ongoing awareness rally and community walk organised to promote the campaign, The Daily Family News Team spoke with Dr. Garuba Hamed Rufai, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Dr. Rufai provided clear insights into the purpose and scope of the programme.
Dr. Rufai explained that the campaign introduces a combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to protect children against two deadly and highly contagious diseases: measles and rubella (German measles). Measles can cause severe fever, rash, coughing, and complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, or death.
Rubella poses a significant risk during pregnancy, potentially leading to congenital rubella syndrome, which causes serious birth defects or miscarriage. The MR vaccine is safe, effective, and administered free of charge. It targets children aged 9–59 months (with some local variations), while routine immunisations are offered to children aged 0–23 months. The combined vaccine replaces the previous standalone measles vaccine.
This is a phased national effort. Dr. Rufai noted that similar campaigns have already taken place in northern parts of Nigeria, with the rollout now extending to southern states. Lagos was selected as a priority location in the south because it is the “Centre of Excellence” – a major population and economic centre where high coverage will have substantial national impact.
The rally and walk covered by the team emphasised community education and mobilisation. Health workers and volunteers conducted outreach to inform residents about the vaccines, including the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9–14 years, which helps prevent cervical cancer later in life.
The event was organised by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, in partnership with the NPHCDA and international organisations supporting immunisation, such as WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. Thousands of volunteers, including over 5,300 from the Nigerian Red Cross Society, have been deployed statewide to support awareness and outreach activities.
Health officials report positive community response, with many parents presenting their children at vaccination points. The campaign remains active, and residents are encouraged to visit the nearest vaccination site with eligible children.
This initiative underscores Lagos State’s leadership in public health and contributes to national and global goals of eliminating measles and rubella. For the latest updates and vaccination locations, visit the official Lagos State Ministry of Health website or contact your local primary health care centre.
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