Lokoja, Nigeria – UNICEF and the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) have joined forces to roll out a statewide measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, urging community leaders and residents to take active roles in protecting children from the deadly disease.

The campaign, set to run from October 4 to 13, will target children aged nine months to 14 years across all 21 local government areas of Kogi.

Why the campaign matters

At a stakeholder meeting in Lokoja, UNICEF’s Health and Social Behavioural Change Consultant, Ambassador Abdulrahman Hudu, warned that measles-rubella is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications such as brain damage, blindness, and even death.

• Vaccine effectiveness: 95% protection rate, as endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

• Target group: Children between 9 months and 14 years.

• Coverage goal: At least 95% of eligible children in Kogi State.

• Implementation: Across all 21 LGAs, with focus on remote and hard-to-reach communities.

“Vaccination is the only proven way to prevent measles-rubella,” Hudu stressed. “By supporting this campaign, we safeguard our children and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.”

Stakeholder roles

The State Vaccine Mobilisation Officer, Mr. Shittu Momoh, highlighted the need for strong community involvement through house-to-house visits and grassroots awareness drives. He called on religious leaders, NGOs, youth and women groups, and civil society to use advocacy, public events, and interpersonal communication to build trust and encourage participation.

Momoh also emphasised capacity building and sustained advocacy to policymakers as key to securing resources and ensuring long-term vaccination success.

Building momentum

The meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, local organisations, and traditional leaders. Participants welcomed the collaboration between UNICEF and KSPHCDA and pledged to increase awareness in their communities ahead of the October rollout.

With the campaign aiming for near-universal coverage, UNICEF and the Kogi government hope that widespread cooperation will ensure the state’s children are protected from a disease with no cure but a proven vaccine solution.