As Nigeria launches a fresh national drive against vaccine-preventable diseases, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has renewed its call for coordinated action to reach more than two million unvaccinated children across the country.
The National Integrated Measles-Rubella and Polio Immunisation Campaign, flagged off on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marks a new phase in the nation’s immunisation efforts aimed at closing the gap among “zero-dose” children those who have never received any vaccine.
Currently, Nigeria’s routine immunisation coverage stands at around 60 percent, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable illnesses such as measles, rubella, and polio.
Speaking at the flag-off, Yusuf Yusufari, Deputy Director, Immunisation and Disease Control at the Gates Foundation Nigeria, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child dies from diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.
“Nigeria became a global exemplar in protecting the lives of young girls from cervical cancer, and today, like we did two years ago, we stand united behind one goal that no child or woman in Nigeria should be left unprotected from preventable diseases,” Yusufari stated.
“This is the number one goal an ambitious goal that Mr. Bill Gates set when he announced his generous gift of $200 billion over the next 20 years.”
Yusufari recalled the pivotal role of the Gates Foundation in helping Nigeria eliminate wild polio, transforming the country from one of the world’s hardest-hit nations to a global success story certified polio-free.
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The new campaign introduces additional vaccines, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, HPV, and now the measles-rubella vaccine, which offers protection against two deadly diseases at once.
Yusufari explained that this expansion represents a significant milestone for Nigeria’s immunisation programme, designed not only to prevent disease outbreaks but also to rebuild community trust in the health system.
“These children who have never been vaccinated are completely unprotected,” he noted.
“Too many continue to be missed, fueling outbreaks of measles and the spread of circulating variant polio virus type 2. This is the urgent gap we must close.”
The integrated campaign is projected to be Nigeria’s largest immunisation exercise, targeting over 106 million children across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In 21 states, children will receive both the measles-rubella and polio vaccines in a single visit. In four states, families will also benefit from additional health interventions, such as malaria nets, deworming tablets, and essential medicines, delivered alongside immunisation services.
“This integrated approach saves caregivers time, maximises resources, and strengthens trust in health services,” Yusufari explained.
“A mother can leave one clinic visit knowing her children are protected against measles, rubella, polio, and even malaria, while communities in neglected tropical disease-endemic areas receive life-saving medications at home.”
Collaborative Effort for a Healthier Future
The Gates Foundation called on government agencies, development partners, and local communities to work as “one team” to ensure that no child remains unreached.
It emphasised that closing the zero-dose gap would not only safeguard Nigeria’s next generation but also serve as a model of progress for the global health community.
“If we succeed, Nigeria will not only protect its children but also inspire the world with what is possible,” Yusufari said.
“Together, we must act with urgency, unity, and persistence so that truly, no child is left behind.”
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Nigeria’s immunisation journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. The country’s success in eliminating wild polio in 2020 was hailed as a monumental public health victory, but health experts warn that complacency could reverse the gains if “zero-dose” children remain unvaccinated.
The latest campaign, supported by global partners including UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO), is expected to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, rebuild public confidence in vaccines, and reinforce disease surveillance mechanisms nationwide.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
