The National Flag-Off for an Integrated Campaign addressing Measles, Rubella, Polio, Human Papilloma Virus, Routine Immunization Vaccines, and Interventions for Neglected Tropical Diseases has been launched by the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency released a statement outlining the goals of the 2025 Integrated Campaigns, which aim to attain extensive vaccination coverage, reaching 95% coverage both nationally and at the state level for measles, the new Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 and others.
The statement reads: “The revised Nigeria Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategic Plan (NMRESP) 2019 – 2030, in alignment with the global measles elimination goal, aims to eliminate measles by the year 2030 through strengthened routine immunization, enhanced surveillance and outbreak response, integration of measles and rubella initiatives into primary health care, and promotion of innovative technologies.
“This plan outlines clear roles for governments and stakeholders, encourages cross-border collaboration, and addresses immunity gaps through Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs). An important milestone in the revised NMRESP is to introduce the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to replace Measles stand-alone vaccine in the routine immunization schedule at 9 months and 15 months.
“This Introduction will begin with an integrated campaign targeting children aged 9 months to 14 years with MR vaccine (‘catch-up’ campaign). Similarly, the global polio eradication strategy focuses on two primary goals: i) permanently interrupting all poliovirus transmission in endemic countries and ii) stopping cVPV transmission and preventing outbreaks in non-endemic countries Rationale for Measles Rubella Vaccine Introduction.
“The MR campaign, in addition to closing measles and rubella immunity gaps and interrupting the disease transmission, reduces the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome. Additionally, it strengthens routines immunization and second year of life activities like nutrition screening and growth monitoring, while addressing inequities in vaccine access.
“Campaigns include:Achieve high vaccination coverage: To attain 95% national and state coverage for measles (PCCS) and nOPV2 (LQAS).
”Provide vaccination opportunities: Offer a second opportunity for eligible children to receive measles and polio, and a first opportunity for rubella vaccine in children aged 9 months to 14 years.
“Target zero dose children to achieve over 85% coverage of Penta-1 and MR in the identified zero dose LGAs. Demonstrate collaborative action strategy-health campaign effectiveness (CAS-HCE): Deliver other public health interventions against neglected tropical diseases and malaria in selected LGAs. Strengthen Health Systems, Utilize the campaign as an opportunity to enhance health system capacities.”
