Formalized on December 5, 2024, at the NGSF Secretariat in Abuja, this impactful campaign is a collaborative endeavor with the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS). The overarching goal is to achieve a 95 per cent MR vaccine coverage rate by strategically mobilizing communities, actively engaging key stakeholders, and effectively addressing the persistent issue of vaccine hesitancy.
Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje, the C-WINS Project Team Lead, underscored the profound significance of the initiative, stating, “This vaccine is not just a health intervention; it is an investment in the next generation.” She further emphasized that this campaign represents a critical component of the national public health policy, holding particular importance for the health and well-being of women and children.
Leveraging their influential platforms, First Ladies across the federation are playing a pivotal role in sensitizing communities and reinforcing public trust in the immunisation process. Dr. Mabogunje noted that this campaign builds upon their successful prior involvement in the rollout of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, demonstrating their continued commitment to public health initiatives.
Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the Chairperson of the NGSF and First Lady of Kwara State, articulated the forum's unwavering commitment to inclusive health coverage. “Our role is to ensure no child is left behind. We are passionate about leveraging our influence and platforms to protect Nigeria’s children from preventable diseases,” she affirmed.
The strategic groundwork for this nationwide campaign was laid at a meeting held in Ilorin on February 22nd. A delegation led by Dr. Mahmud Zubairu, the Head of Mission for C-WINS, and supported by key officials from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), outlined comprehensive strategies to facilitate effective state-level implementation of the vaccination drive.
Key resolutions emanating from this crucial meeting included a commitment to sustained engagement with influential traditional and religious leaders to garner their support and promote vaccine acceptance, the adoption of state-specific advocacy templates to ensure culturally relevant messaging, and assurances of counterpart funding from sub-national governments to ensure the financial sustainability of the campaign.
Since the February meeting, First Ladies have spearheaded state-level launches of the MR vaccination campaign across numerous states, including Ebonyi, Enugu, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Gombe, Abia, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Ogun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Cross River. In Akwa Ibom and Benue states, where the First Ladies were unavailable, designated officials capably took the lead in launching the campaign.
Highlighting the early impact of the initiative, the forum cited the successful flag-off of the campaign in Ebonyi State on February 17th by Mrs. Mary Uzoamaka Nwifuru, the First Lady of the state. Her powerful message to parents was clear: “The vaccine is safe. I urge all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated before the national date of October 25.”
The tangible results of such early sensitization efforts are already being observed. Dr. Elandi Dadi, the WHO Surveillance Officer, reported a significant decline in confirmed measles cases in Ebonyi State, plummeting from 49 in 2022 to a mere one in 2024. “This is a clear indication that early and consistent sensitisation is working,” Dr. Dadi affirmed.
This nationwide campaign aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which prioritizes critical investments in immunisation and maternal-child health.
Dr. Zubairu lauded the proactive role of the governors’ wives, emphasizing that their advocacy extends far beyond mere symbolism. “This is more than a campaign. It is a movement driven by women leaders reshaping the future of child health in Nigeria,” he concluded, underscoring the transformative potential of their collective action.