Federal Government in collaboration with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), has announced plans to vaccinate over 100 million un-immunised and under-immunised children across the country, beginning in October this year.
This was disclosed by Dr. Joseph Forbi, an epidemiologist with the US. CDC Nigeria, during a media roundtable held in Abuja.
Dr. Forbi expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistent measles burden, noting that the country remains among the top 10 globally for measles cases. In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 20,000 suspected cases, with nearly 10,000 confirmed—mostly among children who had not received measles vaccines or were only partially vaccinated.
“Immunization coverage remains low, with only 60% of Nigerian children receiving their first dose of the measles vaccine on schedule,” Dr. Forbi said. He, however, noted a gradual decline in measles cases and deaths, attributing this to intensified health interventions.
Also speaking, Dr. Patricia Tanifum, Program Director for the CDC Nigeria’s Global Immunization Division, warned that Nigeria is currently behind the global target to eliminate measles and rubella by 2030.
She commended the ongoing efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), aimed at improving immunization coverage and eradicating measles nationwide.
RN
