As Nigeria prepares to introduce the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine into its national immunisation programme in 2025, advocacy efforts are gaining momentum across the country. Led by the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), a coalition of civil society organisations and health partners is working tirelessly to ensure widespread acceptance and uptake of the vaccine—especially in rural and underserved communities.
In a statement issued by Dr. Mahmud Zubairu, Head of Mission for the C-WINS Advocacy Project, the organisation highlighted the urgent need to prevent rubella infections during pregnancy, which remain a leading cause of congenital birth defects in Nigeria.
Rubella: A Preventable Threat to Newborns
“Rubella continues to pose a serious—but preventable—threat to newborn health across the federation,” Zubairu warned. “The introduction of the measles-rubella vaccine offers a golden opportunity to protect our children from avoidable congenital disabilities.”
Rubella infections during pregnancy can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which causes a range of lifelong disabilities including heart defects, hearing loss, and developmental delays. With timely vaccination, these consequences can be averted—making public awareness and immunisation coverage vital to success.
Collaboration with Government and Community Leaders
C-WINS noted that it is working in close partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other relevant government health institutions to ramp up public sensitisation ahead of the vaccine’s rollout. These efforts are aimed at fostering trust in the MR vaccine and combating vaccine hesitancy.
In a strategic move, C-WINS and its partners have also engaged with the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), enlisting First Ladies from several states—including Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, and Kwara—to lead statewide awareness campaigns. These campaigns focus on educating caregivers, parents, and traditional leaders about the importance of immunisation for national stability and improved quality of life.
Grassroots Mobilisation: A Key to Success
Recognising the influence of community figures, C-WINS recently partnered with Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General and leader of Nigeria’s market women, to promote vaccine acceptance at the grassroots level. The visit by the C-WINS measles-rubella advocacy team to Tinubu-Ojo on February 13, 2025, was described as a pivotal moment in driving support from informal sector stakeholders and women-led communities.
“Mobilising trusted voices within communities is essential for breaking down resistance and increasing confidence in the MR vaccine,” Zubairu said.
Funding and Commitment from All Levels of Government
Zubairu stressed that government commitment at all levels, particularly through timely counterpart funding, will be crucial to the vaccine’s successful implementation. With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the vaccine is already secured for Nigeria—but financial readiness remains a top priority.
“Through Gavi and partners, the MR vaccine is available for Nigeria. Our advocacy is now focused on ensuring that all necessary government funding is provided without delay,” Zubairu stated.
Toward a Healthier Future for Nigerian Children
The rollout of the MR vaccine represents a vital step in strengthening Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme and safeguarding future generations from vaccine-preventable diseases. As advocacy campaigns gather momentum, health experts remain optimistic that Nigeria will meet its goal of introducing the vaccine nationwide in 2025—paving the way for a healthier, more resilient nation.
With sustained collaboration between government, civil society, and community leaders, Nigeria is poised to turn the tide against congenital rubella and reaffirm its commitment to child health and national development.