The Enugu State Government says it has achieved about 50 per cent coverage in its ongoing measles–rubella vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children across the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, disclosed this on Monday, noting that more than one million children had already been reached within the first four days of the exercise, which began on February 4.
She explained that the campaign targets children between nine months and 14 years, a group considered capable of developing strong immunity against both measles and rubella.
According to her, the state plans to vaccinate over two million children and is on course to meet that target, as the exercise forms part of efforts to integrate the measles–rubella vaccine into routine immunisation programmes nationwide.
Ani-Osheku noted that the initiative is particularly important for Enugu due to the high incidence of measles in the state, adding that the combined vaccine provides protection against both diseases with a single injection.
She said the approach reduces the need for multiple shots and encourages acceptance among parents and caregivers.
Also speaking, the State Immunisation Officer, Chime Chinyere, said health authorities adopted a mix of fixed vaccination posts at health facilities and mobile outreach teams to expand coverage.
She explained that the mobile teams visit schools, churches, markets and other public places to reach children who may not have access to healthcare centres.
Chinyere attributed the growing participation to sustained advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders, including education officials and local media organisations.
While acknowledging challenges such as limited vaccination personnel and occasional resistance, she said continued engagement with community leaders and government officials had helped improve acceptance.
The measles–rubella vaccination campaign was introduced nationally in October 2025, with Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as one of the largest public health interventions on the continent.
Health authorities say measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases affecting children globally, while rubella is a major cause of preventable birth defects, especially when infection occurs during pregnancy.
