The nationwide vaccination campaign against measles, rubella, and polio has continued to record progress in Plateau State, bringing renewed confidence among parents and caregivers about child health and safety.
Jointly organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, UNICEF, WHO, GAVI, and AFENET, the exercise targets children between nine months and 14 years across all 17 local government areas and 325 wards.
The campaign aims to protect children from measles and rubella—two of the world’s most contagious viral diseases—while sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status through the oral polio vaccine.
Speaking in Jos, Dr. Oluseyi Olusunde, Health Officer with UNICEF Nigeria, described the exercise as one of the country’s most significant health interventions in recent years.
According to him, measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death, while rubella can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, and fertility issues when contracted by pregnant women.
He explained that the combined measles-rubella vaccine is being administered to strengthen community immunity alongside the oral polio vaccine to prevent the re-emergence of polio in Nigeria.
Dr. Olusunde disclosed that the campaign seeks to reach at least 90 percent of children in Plateau State, including those in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
He noted that health teams are working closely with security agencies to conduct special “hit-and-run” vaccination exercises in communities affected by insecurity, ensuring that no child is left behind.
“Across the state, vaccination teams have been moving from school to school, creating moments of reassurance and relief for teachers, parents, and children alike,” he said.
At Al-Iman Private School, Dogon Dutse Road, Jos, Team Supervisor for Team 101, Mrs. Rose Ayuba Dalyop, commended the cooperation received from schools and parents.
She said the team has been administering the measles-rubella vaccine to children within the targeted age range and that the turnout has been impressive.
“By the sixth day of the campaign, we recorded excellent participation because parents, teachers, and pupils all showed understanding and trust in the process,” she noted.
Her observation reflects the growing confidence of communities toward vaccination efforts after years of hesitancy.
At Al Hadanat High School, Jos, the school’s director, Mr. Sani Hassan, thanked the government and its partners for prioritizing children’s health.
He urged parents to continue cooperating with health officials during similar exercises, stressing that the aim is to safeguard lives, not harm them.
The principal of the school, Mrs. Mary Emmanuel, shared her experience in improving communication with parents to encourage participation. She said that in the past, some parents reacted negatively when vaccination exercises were conducted without prior notice.
“We learned to always engage parents beforehand. With greater awareness about the importance of vaccines, about 80 percent of parents now willingly allow their children to be vaccinated,” she said.
Across classrooms and communities in Plateau, children could be seen proudly holding their vaccination cards — a sight that symbolizes growing trust and shared commitment to public health.
The campaign has not only strengthened immunization coverage but also improved collaboration between communities, schools, and health authorities.
Dr. Olusunde reaffirmed that with strong coordination among federal, state, and local partners, the Plateau vaccination drive demonstrates how collective effort can safeguard children’s lives and secure a healthier future for the next generation.
