By Binta Nuan
In a major public health initiative, over 1.3 million children in Nasarawa State are set to be vaccinated against Polio, Measles, Rubella, and other deadly childhood diseases.
The State Health Educator, Mr. Ishaya Amegwa disclosed thiswas during a one-day media dialogue organized by the the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF in Lafia, the State capital.
Mr. Ishaya Amegwa explained that the media dialogue aims to provide accurate and comprehensive information to the public ahead of the upcoming Integrated Polio-Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign across the state.
He emphasized the importance of media engagement in disseminating factual and timely information to counter misinformation and promote vaccine uptake.
The Measles-Rubella Consultant for AFENET in Nasarawa State, Dr. Abraham Kayode revealed that out of the 102 million children targeted nationwide, 1,372,251 children in Nasarawa State will be vaccinated.
He highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to the global burden of measles and rubella maintaining that key strategies are being implemented to combat the diseases.
UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Lukman Ahmed, stressed that measles remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five.
He urged media professionals to play a proactive role in combating myths and misinformation by sharing verified facts in clear and relatable language.
Director of Health Education and Social Mobilization, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Muhammad Abubakar Ibrahim underscored the media’s critical role in raising public awareness about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination campaign, which is scheduled to begin on October 7. 2025
State Immunization Officer, Halilu Abubakar Awe, reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, noting that they are provided free of charge.
“The target groups for each vaccine: oral polio for children under five, routine immunization for those under two, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged nine, and the measles-rubella vaccine for children aged nine months to fourteen years during the campaign.”
Speaking on the role of media in health coverage and referencing the late journalist Abari Isa, Dr. Kalu Idika of the FRCN emphasized that Nigeria accounts for 50% of measles and rubella cases in Africa.
He called on the media to act as a vital link between health systems and the public, advocating for accurate reporting to shape public perception, encourage preventive health practices, and build trust in healthcare services.
Media representatives present at the dialogue pledged their commitment to supporting the campaign by ensuring widespread public awareness and accurate coverage of the measles and rubbela vaccination campaign across the state.
Edited by Kalu Idika
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