Kwara State launches Measles-Rubella vaccine rollout on Oct 9 to protect children and pregnant women from preventable deaths and birth defects

Kwara State Measles-Rubella vaccine rollout will begin on October 9, as the government pledges to protect children and pregnant women from preventable deaths and lifelong birth defects.

Also read: Measles and Rubella Vaccine Gets Push Ahead of October Rollout

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Professor Nusirat Elelu, told Arewa PUNCH that the new vaccine marks a “critical step” in Nigeria’s fight against measles and rubella.

Unlike the old single-dose measles shot, the combined jab shields against both viruses, including rubella – also known as German measles – which can trigger irreversible conditions such as blindness, deafness, and heart defects in unborn babies.

“This vaccine is very important. Previously, we only gave measles vaccines at nine and 15 months, but we were still leaving children and mothers exposed to rubella,” Elelu explained.

“When contracted in pregnancy, rubella can lead to congenital Rubella syndrome, which causes lifelong disabilities for unborn children. That is why Nigeria has decided to introduce the combined measles-rubella vaccine into our routine immunisation system.”

The nationwide rollout will be flagged off by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6. Kwara’s own launch will follow on October 9, led by the state’s First Lady, with a catch-up campaign targeting children between nine months and 14 years.

Professor Elelu revealed that the state had already received vaccine supplies and trained local health teams to ensure coverage across all communities, including hard-to-reach areas.

“We are prepared. Sensitisation has started, and we have reached out to traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, and the media. Beyond that, we are also organising community events like a novelty football match on October 8 to create awareness,” she said.

The launch coincides with Kwara’s broader healthcare investment, including the renovation of over 70 primary healthcare centres across the 16 local government areas.

The state is collaborating with the World Bank IMPACT project, UNICEF, and the Global Fund to ensure at least one fully functional PHC in each political ward.

Health experts have linked weak infrastructure and vaccine hesitancy to Nigeria’s high child mortality rates.

Also read: Nigeria Battles Immunization Gap Crisis as 2 Million Children Miss Vaccines

Elelu urged the media to help counter harmful misinformation, stressing: “Every time misinformation wins, a life is lost. We must give people facts so they can make informed health decisions.”