Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have been called upon to strengthen and expand measles and rubella vaccination efforts, particularly in rural areas.
Head of Mission for the Advocacy Project at the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions, Dr. Mahmud Zubairu, highlighted concerns over low vaccination coverage in a statement on Tuesday.
He warned that inadequate immunization could lead to a rise in fatalities and disabilities, especially among children.
Recalling a recent outbreak, the centre noted that in May 2024, a measles epidemic claimed 24 lives in Adamawa State.
Citing media reports, the organisation revealed that nearly 200 suspected cases were recorded across two local government areas.
The centre stated, “Measles cases have been reported nationwide, with many confirmed cases in Borno State, which has been battling insurgency for more than 10 years. There have been two large measles outbreaks in the North-West and North-East zones between 2012 and 2021.
“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and it has been listed as an important cause of death amongst young children globally. It is usually associated with cough, fever and other symptoms but a characteristic rash stands it out.”
Dr. Zubairu stressed that without proper management, measles and rubella could result in severe complications, including death and long-term disabilities.
Speaking on rubella, he explained, “Similarly, Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also associated with mild fever and rash in infected children. If a woman is infected with the rubella virus during early pregnancy, there is a 90% chance of passing the virus to the unborn child and this can result in miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth or giving birth to a child with congenital malformations, known as congenital rubella syndrome.
“Like measles, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rubella and its spread. The rubella vaccine is safe and helps the body build immunity against the virus. While the measles vaccine has been part of the country’s immunisation schedule since the launch of the Expanded Program on Immunisation—now the Essential Programme on Immunisation—in 1979, the rubella vaccine has not been included in public health facilities’ routine immunization schedule,” the centre added.
Underscoring the importance of extensive immunization, the centre further stated, “For vaccines to effectively prevent diseases, communities must achieve herd immunity. This ensures that even unvaccinated children are protected when a disease is introduced, thanks to the immunity of vaccinated individuals. However, this level of protection can only be achieved with very high vaccination coverage.”
The organisation urged authorities to prioritise vaccine awareness, emphasise safety and effectiveness, and implement communication strategies that reach underserved communities.
“By prioritising awareness, emphasising vaccine safety and effectiveness, and using communication tools that reach the grassroots, Nigeria can achieve the 95% vaccination coverage needed to eliminate measles and rubella,” it stated.
