The Adamawa State Government is set to launch a comprehensive Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize over 2.5 million children across all 21 local government areas. The crucial health initiative is scheduled to commence from October 16 to 27, 2025, marking a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its young population from vaccine-preventable diseases. This news comes as a top priority for the state’s public health agenda.
The Persistent Threat of Measles and Rubella
Measles and rubella, while preventable, continue to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease capable of causing severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and even death, particularly among children under five years old. Rubella, often presenting with milder symptoms, carries severe risks if contracted by pregnant women, potentially leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which causes serious birth defects. Nigeria has grappled with numerous measles outbreaks, often exacerbated by low vaccination coverage rates, which hover around 60% for the first dose and 38% for the second dose as of 2023. The North-East region, including Adamawa State, has historically been particularly vulnerable due to factors such as insecurity and population displacement, which can hinder access to healthcare services. In 2025 alone, reports indicated a concerning burden of rubella cases nationally.
Campaign Scope and Objectives
The upcoming vaccination campaign targets children aged between nine months and 14 years, a broad age range designed to capture a significant portion of susceptible individuals. The ambitious goal is to administer the MR vaccine to an estimated 2,584,325 children. This integrated immunization approach combines the measles and rubella vaccines, significantly improving protection levels from 85% to 95% and offering a more potent, cost-effective, and highly efficient strategy. The overarching aim is to bolster herd immunity within the state and contribute to Nigeria’s national goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2030.
Government Commitment and Preparations Underway
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has demonstrated a strong commitment to this vital public health intervention by approving and releasing the state’s counterpart funds, ensuring that the campaign can proceed smoothly and effectively. Professor Kaletapwa G. Farauta, the Deputy Governor and Chairperson of the State Task Force on Primary Health Care (STFPHC), has been actively involved, emphasizing the importance of sustained community support. She has lauded the collaborative efforts of development partners, traditional leaders, and health workers.
Extensive preparations are being made to ensure the campaign’s success. Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), confirmed the state’s readiness. Training for health workers at national, state, and local government levels commenced, and essential supplies, including Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) kits, have been procured. AEFI kits are crucial for monitoring and managing any potential rare side effects following vaccination, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the process. In addition to the existing health workforce, additional vaccination teams have been engaged, and comprehensive supervisory structures have been put in place. The ADSPHCDA plans to deploy 1,024 health workers and an additional 1,685 ad-hoc staff members to cover all 226 political wards within the state.
Strategic Partnerships for Health Security
The success of public health initiatives like this MR vaccination campaign relies heavily on robust partnerships. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are playing pivotal roles by providing vaccines, logistical support, cold chain management, and technical expertise. These collaborations are essential for reaching vulnerable populations and overcoming the logistical and systemic challenges inherent in nationwide immunization drives. The involvement of these partners underscores the national and international significance of this campaign, making it a trending topic in health news.
Call to Action: Community Engagement and Trust
While preparations are robust, the campaign’s ultimate success hinges on widespread community participation and trust. Officials are urging parents and guardians to present their children for vaccination, emphasizing that the vaccine is free, safe, and effective. Dr. Jacob Vasumu, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at ADSPHCDA, highlighted the vital role of the media in dispelling misconceptions and misinformation that can fuel vaccine hesitancy. The state aims to achieve at least 95% coverage, a critical threshold for herd immunity. This effort aims to be a top news story for positive health outcomes.
A Healthier Future for Adamawa’s Children
The upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Adamawa State represents a critical public health intervention. By pooling government resources, leveraging international partnerships, and fostering strong community engagement, the state is positioning itself to significantly reduce the burden of these dangerous diseases. The proactive measures taken by Governor Fintiri’s administration and the dedication of health officials promise to make this a highly successful and impactful news event for child survival and well-being in Adamawa.
