FCT-PHCB to Vaccinate 1.5m Children Against Measles-Rubella, Others

The Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care Board (FCT-PHCB) is set to commence a 10-day integrated vaccination campaign targeting over 1.5 million children against measles, Rubella, and other preventable childhood killer diseases.

The Acting Executive Secretary of FCT-PHCB, Dr. Rukayyat Wammako made this known in Abuja during a one-day media orientation on the forthcoming 2025 Integrated Vaccination Campaign (IVC) scheduled to begin on October 8.

Dr. Wammako explained that non-vaccination could lead to deformities, low immunity, and, in some cases, child mortality, while a fully vaccinated child is less likely to be attacked by preventable diseases.

“We appeal to parents to give consent to teachers in schools or religious places to allow their children to be vaccinated,”

“All children aged 9 months to 14 years are eligible to receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine. After the campaign, the vaccine will remain available for children aged 9 to 15 months as part of routine immunization,” Wammako noted.

Earlier, the Chief State Coordinator for the FCT, Mrs. Chinyere Umeh, who spoke on the role of the media, called for media support in disseminating timely and accurate information about the integrated vaccination campaign, which includes Measles-Rubella, Polio, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and Routine Immunization vaccines.

She pointed out that Rubella, though sharing similar symptoms with measles, is more contagious and dangerous as it can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn child through the placenta.

This, she said, could cause serious health complications and birth defects in the newborn, such as blindness, deafness, and brain damage, among others.

Mrs. Umeh therefore urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the vaccination opportunity to safeguard their children’s future, emphasizing that the vaccines are potent, safe, and will be administered free of charge during the 10-day campaign.

“The health of one is the health of all. Vaccine-preventable diseases should not kill any child; that is why we are calling on our strategic partners, especially the media, to assist the Board in feeding the public with the right information,” she said.

Giving an overview, the FCT Routine Immunization Desk Officer, Mr. Tanko Chadwafwa said the holistic integrated campaign aims to achieve 95% success for a healthier nation.

According to him, measles remains one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide, hence the need for parents to ensure their children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years are vaccinated, alongside polio vaccines for children aged 0–59 months, while the HPV vaccine is strictly for 9-year-old girls under this program.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of WHO, AFENET, UNICEF, and Vaccine Network pledged their support to ensure a successful campaign and emphasized the importance of completing routine immunization schedules

The Measles-Rubella vaccine, which is WHO prequalified and NAFDAC certified, will continue to be administered to children aged 9 to 15 months as part of Nigeria’s routine immunization program after the campaign.

During the 10-day exercise, strategic locations such as markets, Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), community leaders’ palaces, religious centers, schools, IDP camps, health facilities, and temporary vaccination posts will be designated to ensure easy accessibility.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji