The Federal Government has launched a nationwide health campaign to vaccinate 16 million children across Nigeria against measles and rubella, as part of efforts to strengthen routine immunization and prevent future outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The campaign, flagged off by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), will also include interventions against polio and neglected tropical diseases. The first phase of the exercise covers 19 northern states, the Federal Capital Territory, Oyo, and Osun States, with subsequent phases to extend nationwide.

Officials said the integrated vaccination drive aims to close immunity gaps, improve child survival rates, and build a stronger, more resilient public health system. The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to universal health coverage and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to life-saving vaccines and essential healthcare services.