The Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has unveiled a comprehensive national campaign aimed at eradicating preventable childhood diseases through the widespread administration of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
In collaboration with the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), the initiative is designed to significantly increase MR vaccine coverage across the country. According to C-WINS Project Lead, Nihinlola Mabogunje, the campaign goes beyond a health intervention it is a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s children.
“This agreement represents a unified push to raise Nigeria’s MR vaccine coverage to 95%, a target that is both urgent and essential,” Mabogunje said. “Measles and rubella are highly contagious and can cause severe health complications. Measles may result in pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death, while rubella poses serious risks for pregnant women, including miscarriage and birth defects.”
Recognizing the importance of grassroots awareness and engagement, especially in underserved rural communities, the NGSF is leveraging its unique influence at the state and local levels. As trusted community figures, the First Ladies are playing a crucial role in addressing vaccine hesitancy and encouraging participation through personal advocacy.
A major milestone in the campaign occurred on February 22, 2025, when a delegation led by C-WINS Head of Mission, Dr. Zubairu Mahmud, met with the First Lady of Kwara State and NGSF Chairperson, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, in Ilorin. The meeting reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to the campaign’s goals and drew support from key partners, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and several health-focused NGOs.
Under Professor Abdulrazaq’s leadership, Kwara State has emerged as a leader in promoting child immunization and equitable vaccine access. Outcomes from the strategic engagement included:
A commitment to mobilize traditional and religious leaders to drive awareness.
Development of state-specific advocacy templates to combat misinformation and build trust.
Assurance of counterpart funding from state and local governments to support vaccine rollout.
Strengthening of multi-sectoral partnerships, including collaboration with the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and more than 80 NGOs such as the AJIKE People’s Support Centre, to expand advocacy and public outreach.
The campaign represents a united national effort to protect the health of Nigeria’s children and achieve lasting immunity against measles and rubella.
