Nigeria has launched one of the most extensive vaccination campaigns in its history, aiming to protect 106 million children against measles, rubella and polio.
“Vaccines are safe, and they save lives,” said Dr Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare. “As a parent myself, I know that no parent would ever refuse something that protects their child.”
The campaign integrates multiple vaccines and child health services in a single nationwide effort, reaching even the most remote communities through fixed sites, outreach points and house-to-house visits. The drive will unfold in two phases — first across 21 high-risk states, then nationwide in early 2026 — and introduces a new combined measles-rubella vaccine. Building on earlier vaccination rounds that reached over 3 million children, the initiative also provides malaria prevention and nutrition support. With strengthened logistics and data systems, and support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners, Nigeria is taking a significant step toward the goal that no African child should suffer from a preventable disease.
