National Flag-Off of Integrated Health Campaign for Measles-Rubella, Polio, HPV, Routine Immunization, and NTDs Held in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria | October 7, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Flag-Off of the Integrated Campaign for Measles-Rubella, Polio, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Routine Immunization Vaccines, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Intervention in a major step to strengthen public health and reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable and neglected diseases across the country.
The event, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), international development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, and several civil society organizations.
Declaring the campaign open, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable populations from diseases that continue to pose significant public health threats.
“This integrated campaign is a strategic approach to maximize resources, improve immunization coverage, and reach underserved communities with life-saving vaccines and treatments,” said Prof. Pate. “By combining efforts, we can ensure no child is left behind.”
The nationwide campaign targets millions of children across Nigeria, aiming to:
• Administer Measles-Rubella vaccines to children aged 9 months to 5 years,
• Provide Polio vaccines to children under 5,
• Roll out HPV vaccines for adolescent girls aged 9 to 14 years,
• Strengthen routine immunization services, and
• Deliver treatments and preventive measures for
Neglected Tropical Diseases such as schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and lymphatic filariasis.
The Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, noted that the integration of these health interventions would improve efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts, and reach remote areas with critical health services.
Development partners applauded Nigeria’s integrated approach, describing it as a model for effective public health delivery in resource-constrained settings.
The campaign, which begins immediately in selected states, will be expanded in phases to cover all 36 states and the FCT, targeting areas with historically low coverage and high disease burden.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to improve immunization and tackle preventable diseases, officials urge parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support the campaign and ensure eligible individuals receive the necessary vaccines and treatments.
Health workers and volunteers have already begun mobilization efforts across the country to ensure the success of the initiative.
