The large-scale effort integrates multiple child health services to ensure efficient delivery across all states. Children aged 0–14 years will receive the measles and rubella vaccine, while those aged 0–59 months will receive the polio vaccine.
The rollout will occur in two phases: the first, launched today, covers 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo State; the second, scheduled for January 2026, will expand to the remaining southern states.
Health workers will operate through fixed posts, mobile outreach centres, and door-to-door sweep teams to ensure every child, including those in remote areas, is reached.
In addition to vaccines, the initiative provides routine immunization, malaria prevention, and treatment for neglected tropical diseases, supporting Nigeria’s Primary Health Care Under One Roof strategy.
Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, commended health workers, saying: “Vaccines are safe and they save lives. I urge all parents to cooperate and ensure their children are protected.”
This campaign builds on the success of earlier efforts in 11 northern states, which reached 3.1 million children between August and September 2025, providing nutrition supplements and malaria protection.
Dr. Mohammed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said, “Nigeria’s integrated approach is a model for Africa. By combining efforts against measles, rubella and polio, we are moving closer to eliminating these diseases across the region.”
Supported by WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, and the Africa CDC, the campaign emphasizes transparency, digital data integration, and efficient payment systems for frontline workers.
