From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to embrace the upcoming measles-rubella vaccination campaign, set to launch in October 2025, to shield children from deadly diseases.
He made this appeal during an advocacy visit by the Centre for Wellbeing and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) at the Government House in Lafia, joined by First Lady Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule and wives of local government chairmen.
Sule stressed the critical need to protect children from measles and rubella, which can lead to severe complications like deafness, blindness, brain damage, or death. “I strongly endorse the measles-rubella vaccine to be introduced by the federal government, the state government and development partners in October 2025,” he stated.
“These diseases are not only highly contagious, but their complications can be devastating. Thankfully, the measles-rubella vaccine provides safe and effective protection.”
He called on caregivers to ensure children aged 9 months to 15 years receive the vaccine. “Vaccination not only protects our children; it also strengthens the healthcare system and helps our economy by reducing the burden of preventable diseases,” he added.
Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Sule reaffirmed his commitment to making vaccines accessible across Nasarawa. “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, our government is committed to making this vaccine available and accessible,” he said.
“I call on our traditional and religious leaders, health workers, and community influencers to support this campaign to ensure full coverage. Together, we can eliminate measles and rubella from Nasarawa State.”
Sule revealed plans to partner with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to establish a vaccine production facility in Nasarawa, showcasing the state’s dedication to child health. “We are not the richest state, but we are rich in our commitment,” he stated.
“We are so committed to vaccination that we are considering a public-private partnership with Gavi for the setup of a vaccine production facility. We are willing to provide land and other resources to make this a reality.”
He instructed the Nasarawa Primary Health Care Development Agency to initiate talks with Gavi to explore this opportunity.
Commending health workers and local advocates for their early efforts, Sule noted their vital role in preparing communities for the campaign. Dr Usman Iskilu, Executive Secretary of the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency, praised Sule’s support as a testament to his care for children.
“The only safe way is to have routine immunisation for measles-rubella vaccines,” Iskilu said. “Your Excellency, we cannot just go and start giving children vaccines without advocacy. Already we have started under the leadership of Her Excellency the First Lady. We have gone round to meet traditional rulers in their palaces across the three senatorial districts of the state in order to have a successful immunisation campaign.”
Dr Isah Vatsa, a programme consultant, outlined the campaign’s significance, emphasising that the combined measles-rubella vaccine offers robust, long-term protection for Nasarawa’s children.
Backed by Gavi and other partners, the initiative aims to reach all eligible children starting in October 2025.