Kwara Set to Launch Measles-Rubella Vaccine Rollout to Protect Women and Children

The Kwara State Government has announced plans to officially launch the nationwide rollout of the new combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, aimed at reducing childhood deaths and preventing congenital birth defects among pregnant women.

According to health officials, the state rollout, scheduled for October 9, is part of a broader national campaign to curb the rising health risks posed by measles and rubella.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, explained that unlike the previous single measles vaccine, the new combined vaccine provides protection against both measles and rubella—also known as German measles. Rubella, she warned, may appear mild but can cause serious and irreversible conditions such as deafness, blindness, and heart defects in babies when contracted during pregnancy.

“This vaccine is very important. Previously, we only administered the measles vaccine at nine and 15 months, leaving children and mothers vulnerable to rubella. That is why Nigeria has now introduced the combined measles-rubella vaccine into our routine immunisation system,” Elelu said.

The national rollout will be flagged off by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6. In Kwara, the state’s First Lady will lead the launch on October 9, targeting children aged nine months to 14 years through a catch-up campaign.

Elelu confirmed that the state has already received doses of the vaccine, completed national-level training, and commenced local training sessions to ensure full coverage across all areas, including remote communities. Sensitisation efforts have also begun, with outreach to traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, and media outlets. To further raise awareness, the state is organising community events such as a novelty football match on October 8.

The rollout comes alongside the ongoing renovation of primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state. Elelu revealed that over 100 PHCs are being rehabilitated through state funding and partnerships with the World Bank IMPACT project, UNICEF, and the Global Fund. At least 70 centres across the 16 local government areas are already earmarked for renovation, with the goal of ensuring one fully functional PHC per ward.

She stressed that misinformation remains one of the greatest threats to immunisation success. “Every time misinformation wins, a life is lost,” she warned, urging the media and the public to amplify accurate information. “We must ensure people have the right facts to make informed health decisions.”

Health experts have long linked poor infrastructure and low vaccine uptake to Nigeria’s high child mortality rates, but Elelu expressed optimism that Kwara’s investments in vaccines and PHC rehabilitation would strengthen health outcomes across the state.