By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Government agencies, health sector stakeholders, and the media have been urged to collaborate to accelerate a nationwide rollout of Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The bid is to protect future generations from Rubella infections during pregnancy that have continued to pose a serious but preventable threat to the health of newborns across Nigeria.
These infections can lead to lifelong complications, including blindness, deafness, heart defects, and other disabilities.
After decades of global use, the Nigerian government is preparing to introduce the Measles Rubella, MR, vaccine, marking a critical step toward preventing such devastating outcomes.
To ensure its success, government agencies, health sector stakeholders, and the media must work together to accelerate a nationwide rollout and protect future generations.
Rubella, often mistaken for a mild childhood rash-like illness, frequently overshadowed by measles, carries severe health consequences when contracted by pregnant women.
Approximately one in every ten cases seen as measles is in fact Rubella.
Research has established that maternal rubella infection during the first trimester leads to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which manifests in newborns as cataracts, heart defects, hearing impairments, and mental disabilities.
This scientific link has been known since 1941, thanks to the pioneering work of Australian ophthalmologist Norman McAlister Gregg. His research transformed the global understanding of rubella’s devastating impact on foetal development and led to the introduction of rubella vaccines in 1969 which many countries in the world currently give in combination.
While 175 of 194 WHO member states have already adopted the rubella vaccine in various combinations, Nigeria is preparing to align with this global movement by introducing the MR combination vaccine in 2025, starting in the fourth quarter.
The World Health Organisation, WHO, has repeatedly emphasised the necessity of high vaccine coverage to curb measles and rubella transmission. In 2023 alone, global measles cases surged by 20%, reaching 10.3 million, with Africa enduring most of the crisis.
WHO data reveals that only 83% of children worldwide received their first dose of the measles vaccine, while just 74% got their second dose—far below the 95% national coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Nigeria’s vaccination coverage rates remain even lower, with coverage ranging between 50% and 60%, with wide regional disparities further exacerbating the problem.
These low coverage rates have real consequences, and the consequences of any further delayed action are dire.
Nearly half of all measles outbreaks in 2023 occurred in Africa, with an estimated 107,500 measles-related deaths – primarily among children under five.
Those who survive face long-term complications such as blindness, deafness, and encephalitis. For pregnant women, the stakes are even higher, as rubella infections increase the risk of miscarriages and congenital deformities in newborns.
As the government takes steps to introduce the MR vaccine, sustained advocacy is essential to ensure widespread acceptance and uptake. Organizations like the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) working closely with the National primary Health Care Development Agency and others, have continuously called for urgent action, urging for stakeholders’ support for swift implementation.
Their efforts, including recent collaborations with the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), are critical in preparing the nation for the 2025 rollout.
First Ladies across states such as Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, and Kwara have launched public awareness campaigns, helping drive community mobilization nationwide.
Similarly, the recent engagement of influential figures such as Nigeria’s Market Women Leader-General (Iyaloja General), Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo by C-WINS also is a crucial step to driving grassroots mobilization for MR vaccine acceptance and uptake.
According to Dr. Mahmud Mustafa, C-WINS Head of Mission, the success of MR vaccine introduction in Nigeria depends largely on commitment of Governments at all levels providing the required counterpart funding for the vaccination.
“Through the support of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, Gavi, and partners, the MR vaccine is available for Nigeria and our advocacy is to ensure that the government financial commitments are redeemed on time”, he added.
