FG Launches Nationwide Integrated Health Campaign Targeting Measles, Polio, HPV, and Neglected Tropical Diseases

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has officially launched the National Flag-Off of the 2025 Integrated Health Campaign, focusing on Measles, Rubella, Polio, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Routine Immunization Vaccines, and Interventions for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original  at the top To Read Full News

In a statement released by the Agency, the campaign aims to achieve extensive vaccination coverage across Nigeria, with a target of 95% national and state-level coverage for Measles, the new Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), and other priority vaccines.

The NPHCDA emphasized that the 2025 Integrated Campaign aligns with the Nigeria Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategic Plan (NMRESP) 2019–2030, which is in line with the global goal to eliminate measles by 2030.

“This plan seeks to strengthen routine immunization, enhance disease surveillance, improve outbreak response, integrate measles and rubella initiatives into primary health care, and promote innovative vaccination technologies,” the statement reads.

According to the Agency, the updated NMRESP introduces the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to replace the stand-alone measles vaccine in the national immunization schedule, to be administered at 9 months and 15 months.

“This introduction will begin with an integrated campaign targeting children aged 9 months to 14 years, described as a ‘catch-up’ exercise,” the statement added.

The campaign will also support the Global Polio Eradication Strategy, focusing on permanently interrupting all poliovirus transmission and preventing outbreaks in non-endemic countries.

NPHCDA noted that the Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign not only helps to close immunity gaps and reduce the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome but also strengthens routine immunization programs and other child health activities such as nutrition screening and growth monitoring.

Key objectives of the 2025 Integrated Campaign include:

1. Achieving 95% vaccination coverage for Measles and nOPV2 across all states.
2. Providing a second opportunity for eligible children to receive measles and polio vaccines and a first opportunity for rubella vaccination for children aged 9 months to 14 years.
3. Targeting zero-dose children to attain over 85% coverage of Penta-1 and MR vaccines in identified underserved LGAs.
4. Delivering other public health interventions against neglected tropical diseases and malaria in selected local government areas.
5. Using the campaign as a platform to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems and improve coordination between health agencies and communities.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, stressing that the campaign demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness to accelerate efforts toward disease elimination and stronger public health systems.