The Federal Government has announced its commitment to provide comprehensive communication and advocacy support for the nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled for October 2025.

This pledge was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy visit to his office by the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) on Tuesday.

Ministry's Support for Public Health Initiative

"You have come to the right place," the Minister stated. "The Ministry of Information and National Orientation exists to support and amplify initiatives like this. We will work with you and relevant agencies under our Ministry, including the National Orientation Agency and public media institutions, to ensure Nigerians are well-informed about the dangers of rubella and the need for vaccination."

Idris described the C-WINS presentation as both emotional and enlightening, acknowledging that many Nigerians may be familiar with measles but unaware of rubella and its devastating effects. He emphasized that children born blind, deaf, or with heart defects due to maternal rubella infection represents a preventable tragedy.

"Prevention is better than cure and this is one area where information truly saves lives," the Minister added.

Nigeria's Measles Burden and Rubella Threat

During the meeting, C-WINS Project Lead Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje presented alarming statistics about Nigeria's public health challenges. The country currently accounts for nearly 20% of global measles cases, with the Northeast region bearing over 60% of the national burden.

Dr. Mabogunje highlighted the highly infectious nature of measles, which continues to cause severe illness, complications, and death, particularly among malnourished or immunocompromised children.

She also explained the often-overlooked threat of rubella, especially to pregnant women. Contracting rubella in the first trimester can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), leading to babies born with serious disabilities including blindness, deafness, or severe heart abnormalities.

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

The C-WINS delegation assured the Minister of the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, noting that the Measles-Rubella vaccine has been used worldwide for over 50 years and is credited with saving more than 94 million lives globally.

Dr. Mabogunje also commended NAFDAC's stringent regulatory review and endorsement of the vaccine for safe use in Nigeria.

"To reach the target of 95% vaccination coverage, we need accurate, trusted, and consistent messaging delivered through the channels that everyday Nigerians rely on," she emphasized.

Collaborative Approach to Public Education

In response to the presentation, the Minister directed his communication team to collaborate closely with C-WINS to co-create culturally sensitive campaign materials. These will be disseminated through both public and private media channels nationwide.

Idris also encouraged the team to engage the National Assembly for broader legislative support, emphasizing that the partnership should be continuous, impactful, and far-reaching rather than a one-time effort.

The Ministry's commitment represents a significant step toward ensuring the success of the October 2025 vaccination campaign and protecting Nigerian children from preventable diseases.